Healthy Weight Loss

[Zimmeh]

Just spent the last 20inutes doing the Just Dance 3 game with my roommates :) We are now going to play Kinect Adventures :)

Zimmeh

[sylvie]

I think you're absolutely right.....it's the "getting back up again and trying again" which is MOST important. And I find that it is easier to do because I know what to expect.....After 4 days off playing in Austin, I absolutely knew I had to get back on that bike, go and see that pimply assed 30 yr old trainer.....Interesting that he said, "thought you had given up already".....What a douchebag!!

It is already turning hot here in Tucson (should hit 100* by the end of the week) so I may have to make adjustments to the schedule so that I am watching the sun rise while exercising.....

:cowboy:



Wow Jo, having a trainer like that can't be very motivating for you..
i've seen some trainers act that way towards their clients at the gym i go to, and i really can't grasp the need to make someone feel bad - or what they think that does for someone..
i think it's amazing that you push yourself to exercise despite the rudeness though.. good for you that you care about your health more, but hope you find someone that will be better for you, you don't deserve that..

if it were me, i would smile and be super nice and drive him crazy.. i work with a lot of negative people and my goal each day is "kill em with kindness" .. ♥

[Hollylane]

Prayer to self:

Please refrain from going overboard on bad choices at tonight's working dinner at Old Wives' Tales...Where there are such delicacies on the menu as:

Spanokopita
Enchiladas Verde
Tostada
Carbonara Fusilli or Brown Rice

But what a great restaurant...Check this out:

DIETARY NEEDS

Over the years, our large moderately priced menu has expanded to meet a wide variety of dietary needs & preferences, such as food allergies, gluten and lactose intolerance, vegan and low carb/high protein.

Diners are empowered to meet their individual needs because the ingredients in the various dishes are listed on the printed menu and on the cards posted by the Soup and Salad Bar, including such details as type of non-hydrogenated oil and type of vinegar.

Any questions not answered by the printed menu can be directed at your server, who can check with our kitchen staff to make sure that your special needs are met.

Our current bread choices are Sourdough (vegan), Multi-Grain(vegan), Marble Rye(vegan), Gluten-Free Gold Honey (egg, but dairy-free) and Gluten-Free Teff (vegan).

I was told that I had reason to celebrate, and I should just enjoy myself, so I did. I didn't go crazy though. It was a fun time, with good people, good debates, and good laughs. Oh, and I got another hiking trip planned with Andrew and Kristen out of the dinner meeting :)

[sylvie]

Good morning everyone..

Getting changed here in a moment and heading out for my walk.. i'm between work shifts, and the walk around the lake did me soooo much good, that i'm doing it again today.. Not only wonderful physically, but so good for the mind and positivity factor for me too.. and it's beautiful out there again !!

Last week, i bought a box of 16 yogurts, and these ones were dessert selections.. i only ate one and decided to give them away - a girl at work said she'd take them off my hands.. Wow, talk about sugar cravings after eating those, i can't handle them at all..

Hope you all have a fantabulous kinda day!
♥

[ruffryder]

I think yesterday was eat everything in sight day. At least half of it was healthy.
With that being said, everyone have a great day! :)

[Thinker]

Tomorrow is belly-measuring day. ...first one since getting back to WW online.

*fingers crossed*

[Lazy Daze]

I am trying hard this evening to fend off my emotional eating...instead I took the furkids for walks and am drinking a bottle of water...on the other side of the house from the kitchen so I don't give in. I hate days like these.

On a more positive note...I am so proud of everyone's progress! You are all rockstars!:rrose:

[Leigh]

Geez I miss ALOT when I'm away for days at a time ~ but I have to say that taking a few days, week however long it was, away from the Planet has rejuvenated me and is inspiring me to come back to track my progress. I do keep up with the thread and read pages when I have the chance ~ hopefully though now I will be able to keep up on the thread better. I have alot to tell, good things are beginning to happen to me and since I love this thread and all of my friends here, I figure that I will share with all of you!

About a week and a half ago I started to really use SparkPeople, and since I have it seems to be keeping me on track more than if I was just trying to get healthy on my own. I'm tracking my food everyday using their food tracker; I'm also tracking my fitness and since I began doing these things I've noticed how much more conscious of things I am as opposed to before. I had gotten so used to stuffing my face with the unhealthy stuff (chips, pepsi, chocolate etc) that I completely let myself go; I got to my largest weight last year (370) and finally said to myself that its time for a change. Since I began to track things on the SP website, I've noticed some basic changes; I've been active every single day for a week, whether its going for a walk or doing some work with my parents (will explain more later). I have been drinking nothing but water everyday (except for one can of diet pepsi around mid afternoon or so) and I'm not eating what I used to.

I've noticed some basic changes since I began a week ago; I do not feel nearly as sluggish as I did before, I'm much more alert and ready to get up and do things (even just simple things like chores). I can stand for longer periods of time without getting nearly as sore or tired as I once did; sure I still do get sore but its not like it was. I'm actually going for walks, getting myself out of my house instead of staring at the same four walls day in and day out. I bought myself a resistance band and weights that I've used once already, when I'm in my house and if I can't get out on certain days (its rainy, I'm babysitting my sister etc) I can use them along with exercises I have and I can do workouts here as well.

Another thing has changed, and this sometimes can be much more important than just weight alone ~ my attitude. I've spend a lifetime listening to people tell me that I can't do anything, I'll never amount to anything etc and for the longest time I believed them. I can't quite pinpoint what it was that finally made me start to alter my way of thinking, but its amazing what a positive attitude can do for someone. There is one other thing that has boosted my self esteem alot and its something I never thought would even be possible ~ work! My parents own a floral shop and unfortunately their full time guy quit on them (his last day was last friday) so my mom is working their again full time and now I am their part time helper. Monday I went in and basically just shadowed them most of the day, but helped them with little tedious things that needed to be done. Then I went in yesterday and she has me do two floral arrangements ~ me? I've never done one in my life but okay sure so I made two of them, and 10 mins after I finished the second one it sold :| Is that even possible? It is and I was pretty stoked that something I made sold so quickly. I went in again today and got to do two more arrangements, of which one of them sold too .............. so out of four arrangements that I've made since yesterday, 2 of them sold :D

That was quite the boost to my self confidence, which I've never had much of and it certainly is making me want to take better care of myself so that I can continue to move forward in life. I'm finally beginning to realize that I am worth having good things happen to me and slowly they are ~ this has been one of the best weeks that I've had in years and I won't allow anyone or anything to ruin that :)

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

I tried very hard to come up with an excuse for not going to Curves this morning. I ran through:

I'm really, really tired
I haven't washed my hair and it looks a little icky
I really have soooo much work to do for work
I have been really good about going and I deserve a break
I'm already hot and sweaty and I'm gonna feel really icky after working out


...and then I kicked my own butt, went in, and did my circuit.

I feel much better about it now. :rrose:

[JoSchmooze]

Good morning healthies :)


I tried very hard to come up with an excuse for not going to Curves this morning. I ran through:

I'm really, really tired
I haven't washed my hair and it looks a little icky
I really have soooo much work to do for work
I have been really good about going and I deserve a break
I'm already hot and sweaty and I'm gonna feel really icky after working out

...and then I kicked my own butt, went in, and did my circuit.

I feel much better about it now. :rrose:

Sounds like me yesterday.
I did not see my trainer yesterday, but the
Russian was there. I have to get up the nerve to ask if he'll
take me on......we saluted each other and I went about
my circuit in silence until I almost fell off the machine
you do the pull ups on, 200 lbs of weights
came crashing down when my leg got stuck -
everyone there stopped, rushed over and asked if I was ok.....
I was sooooooooooo embarrassed......


:cowboy:

[Thinker]

Waist measurement is down one inch even. I'm cautiously thrilled. It seems like a lot for just 9 nine days, but I've had a VERY physical week.......sooooo.....maybe there's something there.

I'm going to ignore the scale this go-round. I got all wrapped up it last time, and it started bumming me out after a while. I really do want to drop 20 pounds, but I'm hyper-focused on my belly (could very well be a vanity thing???).

[Leigh]

Good morning healthies :)

I tried very hard to come up with an excuse for not going to Curves this morning. I ran through:

I'm really, really tired
I haven't washed my hair and it looks a little icky
I really have soooo much work to do for work
I have been really good about going and I deserve a break
I'm already hot and sweaty and I'm gonna feel really icky after working out


...and then I kicked my own butt, went in, and did my circuit.

I feel much better about it now. :rrose:

OMG I really do have this problem, so I sympathize with you. I've always thought up every excuse in the book for not getting a workout in but really we don't have any excuses, we just think we do ........... its mind over matter. I've given so many people this advice and am just not starting to take my own advice, so far so good :)

Waist measurement is down one inch even. I'm cautiously thrilled. It seems like a lot for just 9 nine days, but I've had a VERY physical week.......sooooo.....maybe there's something there.

I'm going to ignore the scale this go-round. I got all wrapped up it last time, and it started bumming me out after a while. I really do want to drop 20 pounds, but I'm hyper-focused on my belly (could very well be a vanity thing???).

I know all about getting wrapped up in the numbers on the scale etc because its so widely used and everyone tells you to use that to gauge how well your doing. I'm trying to use how my clothes fit, how much better I feel as a better way of really telling if I'm doing things right :thumbsup:

[JoSchmooze]

OMG I really do have this problem, so I sympathize with you. I've always thought up every excuse in the book for not getting a workout in but really we don't have any excuses, we just think we do ........... its mind over matter. I've given so many people this advice and am just not starting to take my own advice, so far so good :)



I know all about getting wrapped up in the numbers on the scale etc because its so widely used and everyone tells you to use that to gauge how well your doing. I'm trying to use how my clothes fit, how much better I feel as a better way of really telling if I'm doing things right :thumbsup:

Another measurement for me is how others react to me
who have not seen me in a while.....
Jest saying.....

:cowboy:

[Hollylane]

Ahhhh....what a stressful day!

JustJo, I have those days. A lot. I am not always successful at talking myself into doing my workout. You should be giving yourself mega kudos today!

JoSchmooze...Wow! You are okay right? I have not done that in a long time, but something similar has happened to me. The thing that embarrasses me all the time, is when I am pushing, and pushing, and pushing, and then either my left leg collapses while I'm doing an exercise or my right arm poops out. My trainer tries to catch me pushing too far, but I don't let him see my pain or exhaustion sometimes. I'm bad like that, I am mean to me sometimes.

I am generally pretty good at keeping myself from eating bad food, I don't eat because I am depressed, stressed, angry or happy. But today, Gaige was being good to her employees, and was telling me about buying them dinner tonight, some of them chose Taco Bell, and while she was telling me this, I pulled into a Taco Bell, and then went "WTF am I doing?", and drove out again. Close call!

My left leg is hurting pretty badly, as well as my right ankle and left foot. The cute new Sketchers I just bought are probably the culprit, along with about 10 hours of playing with the hacky sack at my desk and pacing the call center in the new shoes today. I have been wearing those Sketchers with the rounded bottom on them for about a year now, so it is likely that I am using different muscles in my legs and feet with the new shoes. So, the pain is not all that surprising.

I also finally gave in, and had a coritisone injection in my right wrist on Wednesday. I have had tendinitis for nearly a year now, and I'd finally just had enough of the pain. So, my blood sugar has been fluctuating, and I'm having some pretty miserable blood sugar related hot flashes. It hasn't really made much difference, a little less stiffness, but now my forearm is all jacked up. What is that about? Can't a woman just get a little relief??

Tomorrow there will be no sleeping in, I'm off to do a clean up with SOLVE and do some replanting at Dairy Creek.

Sorry about all the whining. I am just having one of those days. Thank you for listening.

[JoSchmooze]

Ahhhh....what a stressful day!
flex all the
JoSchmooze...Wow! You are okay right? I have not done that in a long time, but something similar has happened to me. The thing that embarrasses me all the time, is when I am pushing, and pushing, and pushing, and then either my left leg collapses while I'm doing an exercise or my right arm poops out. My trainer tries to catch me pushing too far, but I don't let him see my pain or exhaustion sometimes. I'm bad like that, I am mean to me sometimes.

Sorry about all the whining. I am just having one of those days. Thank you for listening.


No, I am okay....
Sometimes my replaced knee doesn't flex all the way
and I end up with like my leg caught up underneath
my butt......Just embarrassed, thass all......

Hang in there and KUDOS for driving right away from the Taco
Bell......I am fixating on rocky road ice cream from
Baskin Robbins right now....dammit!!

:praying:

[Hollylane]

No, I am okay....
Sometimes my replaced knee doesn't flex all the way
and I end up with like my leg caught up underneath
my butt......Just embarrassed, thass all......

Hang in there and KUDOS for driving right away from the Taco
Bell......I am fixating on rocky road ice cream from
Baskin Robbins right now....dammit!!

:praying:



I have an TKR on the left too...:)

[WingsOnFire]

I am very excited about the healthier life choices I am making lately... Since moving to Oregon... and having 3 wonderful cooks in the house... I eat much healthier.. I eat a lot of vegetables.. I drink a lot more water... Now I need to start exercising and walking.

We talked at the dinner table tonight about being healthier and eating better and exercise. I am excited about continuing my new adventure and working on my body. I am very glad that I no longer have a self esteem issue when it comes to my body. But I do know what changes I want to make and I will make them happen.

Seeing so many people having the same goals and sharing their experiences really helps too!

[Hollylane]

I was looking through old photos this morning. I posted one in the gallery to remind myself why I should feel so damn lucky every day. Even on the days when I do not meet my own expectations, I should be proud of myself. So, today, on Eve of Earth Day...I'm saying it out loud...I am fucking proud of myself!!

I am also dragging ass about getting moving this morning, but I will start rocking and rolling any minute now!

[Lady_Di]

Proud that I choose watermelon and strawberries, rather than ice cream or any sugary whatever. Sweet tooth is okay to have, when I think about the wonderful sweets that mother nature makes. Guilt free and delicious. Especially happy to be stocked up on my wild blueberries in my freezer. Better than any ice cream, I swear!

Cooking up a storm today, to freeze up healthy meals for when I get back. I am having my second total knee replacement on Monday and just want to have healthy choices that are easy when I get back here.

Though I plan on staying in rehab a lot longer this time, just to have the twice daily access to the gym and my new favourite workout machine. The NuStep, a recumbant stepper. If you ever get a chance to work out on that machine, do it. It is amazing, at all fitness levels, but especially good for rehab, be it orthopedic or cardiac, whatever. Very good at increasing Range of Motion. Something several folks here have been mentioning.

Stronger every day, my goal. Fitness, wellness. Wholeness. I will be eating healthy thru out my stay. Focusing just on veggies and protein, fruit for any sweet tooths that may arise. Lots of water. Teas. No gluten, no flour, no rice, no sugar. Nothing processed. On track. I will be in much better shape when I leave. Will be wonderful to be able to get home and be able to get straight back into the pool everyday. And have healthy eats here for me, when I do return.

Will be taking my computer with me, like I did last time. So I will stay in touch, keep reading the board here for inspiration. Love the support I feel from everyone here.

On track,
d

[Diavolo]

I am possessed by Satan when it comes to making good eating decisions. There's to good Diavolo and bad Diavolo each perched on opposing shoulders. I sooo know exactly what to do. Ask me, I'll tell you, but christ on a crutch I can't get it right to save my life, which is what it's coming down to.

I have a business coach and while he is the Devil himself and beats me like a bad dog, he has pointed me in the right direction and my business is growing abundantly. Last week he asked what other parts of my life am I having issues with and I said I've got to get my weight back under control. He said "Paleo Diet". He's doing it with his partner and says it's amazing. Conceptually, I like it and I have noticed others in this thread having positive reactions. I have 45 days until the AIDS/Lifecycle and I do not want to carry all of this weight on my bicycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I've been tapering off the pasta (I've been whole wheat pasta for years) and rice (brown rice for years). They say no potatoes but yams and sweet potatoes are fine. I don't really get the logic in that but ok. Something has to change here and today is the day.

[Zimmeh]

If you want a healthy snack I am recommending the vanilla nonfat yogurt parfait from Publix. I picked up the one with pineapple in it and I am wishing I got another one. I split it with my coworker.


Zimmeh

[JoSchmooze]

Up early this morning and weighed myself....
One wonders why (oh why...whining) does one
GAIN 2 lbs overnight? Then I glance at the Paleo diet
deal that was just posted above....no peanuts....
AHA! This month is really kicking my butt!
I have had so many ups and downs that I am quite
disappointed.....dispirited...disgusted with myself
and ay other "d" word you can think of......

But still, I am waiting the 45 minutes until the gym is open
and I will go and sweat, come home and work on the backyard.
All I can do is keep on trucking......

:cigar2:

[Leigh]

Got my water right beside me, had some raisin bran for breakfast ~ doing pretty good keeping on track so I can't complain :)

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

I'm still parked on 200....but I was a few pounds higher than this for years and years before moving to Florida....so I'm not discouraged. I'm still working out 3 days a week at Curves, walked about 4 miles on dog beach this morning, and am sticking (mostly) with my dietary changes.

I have the occasional splurge, and mostly watch portion size (easier now that my capacity has shrunk to about half of what it was).

Focusing on what is changing and that's body shape and lab results. Right now I'm wearing shorts that were too tight to be comfortable just a year ago...and now they are almost too loose and I can grab big handfuls of excess fabric all over. Pretty soon they'll be going in the donation bag because they will be too big.

A couple weeks ago, I was in Tractor Supply buying dog food, and actually saw a really cute t-shirt that I wanted. It's pink, has flip flops and "live, laugh, love" on the front....and the biggest they had was Large....not even an XL. I hesitated, and then bought it....and hoped it would work. I brought it home...washed it, tossed it in the dryer....and it fits. Not too big. Not too small. Just a regular ol' Large. Awesome. :)

[Lady_Di]

There is a lot of differing ideas about just exactly what is Paleo. I say whatever works for you. Bottomline, I think there is a lot of truth about listening to our bodies. Everyone is unique. I do like the idea and my body responds to the simple fact that my genetic history has not adapted to the modern diet. Genetically for example, I don't do well with lactose. Genetically I am able to drink like a fish. Though I choose not to, for a myriad of reasons. But I digress. Some folks are actually missing certain enzymes because of their genetic history. Like the Indiginous people, Native Americans who do not produce the enzymes to break down alcohol. And do not even get me started about what the white man's diet has done to my NA friends and family! When they eat as their ancestors did, there is little to no diabetes, no cardiovascular and kidney disease. Anyhows... I rather doubt any body does well with a processed food diet. But dang if that stuff is not addictive as all get out!

I know for years I simply ignored my body, put blinders on. Not really in touch with what my body was feeling, not a good way to live. I think many of us have the 'ignore the elephant in the living room' syndrome. Disassociate from what simply is.

I prefer reality today. Practicing acceptance, does not mean I am powerless. It actually empowers me to do the next right thing and be conscious. Part of being in the present, in the now. That was then, this is now. I love that old saying, that if you have one foot in the past, one in the future... you will be pissing all over today. Can not change the past, but we can learn from it. Listening to our bodies is part of that process.

There is a lot of evidence about low grade inflammatory process in our guts that is common to many people today. On a microscopic level, we can see it quite clearly and the labs also tell the tale. I hope everyone gets a yearly C-reactive protein test in their yearly blood work. As it is a simple indication of inflammation, which is linked to so many disease processes it is not even funny. Anyhows, as I babble on here which I tend to do... My gut simply is not happy with most of what is common in today's diets. I feel lighter, cleaner inside and out when I eat simple.

I like to call it the God diet, eating things the way God made em. Unprocessed. Unrefined. Whole.

Ever hear the saying that the less there is on the ingredient list the better?
And whole foods, don't even have an ingredient list, making that an excellent yardstick to gauge if something is healthy or not.

btw... My experiment last week with the organic kefir was a wonderful surprise. It surprised me how much I liked it. And all those probiotics and prebiotics are very helpful. I absolutely love the experimental process! I am a very good test subject~

Try it, you might like it~!

...and if you do not like something the first time, do not give up on it. Might be you were in a bad mood, or biochemically in an odd place. Or that was not the best kumquat, or whatever you might be trying for the first time. I like to always give new things 3 chances, just in case there was some reason it was not ideal situation. Like the chef having a bad day or the ingredients not being of the highest grade. When I eat a strawberry for example, some are much better than others, no?

As a foodie, I like to try new tastes, explore cultures thru what they eat. A great suggestion I heard once.... Try something new once a week. And eat colour. The more colour in your diet the better!

Eating the rainbow today. Watermelon and strawberries, cucumbers and tomatoes. Wonderful lemons. Have not picked a protein. And you know what, I might not. Since I have surgery tomorrow, it might be nice to have less in my gut. I am taking prunes with me. I like them extra dried out prunes, they become really chewy and better than candy. Just to keep things moving with all the narcotic I will be having on board and what not. And I am looking forward to the excellent food this hospital makes, it is like a 4 star restaurant, I can order anything I want. So veggies, fruit and protein... will be exactly what I will be consuming.

When I had my first knee replaced in December, I was able to lose a significant amount of weight. Between the PT, gym time and the good eats, it is an opportunity to really concentrate on health and wellness. Also feels great to be spoiled rotten by the great staff! I admit it, I love hospitals. Always have. They have always felt like home to me.

It is also a way for me to network with those in my profession and it is always a good time to make a good first impression. Who knows, I might be working here in the near future.

My dad was right, it is all about attitude. In anything we are persuing.

Progressing along this road less traveled, no perfection in sight.

d

[JoSchmooze]

And so....Monday....
Ya know, those 2 lbs I was pissed off about yesterday?
Well, they're gone and I'll be damned if they come back again!
Here's another "d" for ya - "determined"....
I am spending way too much for failure to be an option...
Also, I was complimented several times yesterday
I was wearing a shirt from Maui that I haven't worn in at least 10 years......
and it was hanging on me! So there!
It's barely 6:30 am here in the lovely SW so I am off to the gym
before it gets too hot.....

:cigar2:

[sylvie]

well, the last few days have been extremely emotional for me.
And today, i feel fragile. As though one little thing could make everything crash down around me. Damn triggers (especially my mother, and stress with my teenagers ...) i still haven't quite reeled myself in completely and got myself back on track from before, and so these last few days, combined with a lot of work hours have been stressful.

So yesterday, i called a dear friend of mine, and told her i need some balance.
She also has been emotional and fallen off track the last few weeks. So we decided on going to the gym this morning, and doing a pilates class.

This was my first real pilates class with this instructor, i tried it once before b ut not quite the same deal.. i've done Body Flow also which is a combination of pilates, yoga, meditation and tai chi..

It felt so good to stretch out every tension, and wow, what a work out on the legs, arms and abs.. i hurt now, and my friend said it'll hurt much more tomorrow.. Good kind of hurt though, i really needed it.. And the girl time.. She's a treasure..

We laughed lots, acted silly and gabbed and gabbed..
Felt good to release the blahs a bit.. Now it's time to kick myself back into gear, and physically, emotionally.. life is good, and i've alot to be grateful for, living in the blahs over something i can't control isn't healthy...

time to make some healthy changes, focus on that and work much harder than i have been, saying i will and DOING it are two different things.. i often make plans to, but don't always follow through..Very easy to get stuck in the stresses of life, especially the triggers, i really need a handle on those things

.. my health, my mind & my journey matter - today, is about 'me', clearing my mind & getting active, again..

[gaea]

what i am doing seems to be working for me one pound at a time, my clothes especially my shirts seem to be fitting a little bigger i am tickled about this...

the legs in my pants seem to feel more loose...

it seems as though the belly is shrinking too hence why my shirts are feeling looser in the middle this was my goal to lose the belly fat...

one pound at a time...

"dear weight loss gods, please let me retain my ass thank you in advance"

[JoSchmooze]

Why is it that before you get to the gym
you are cussing out everything.....
And once there, you cuss out your legs, your arms, your
back...muscles screaming as you grunt...
"one more minute...I can do anything for one more
stinking minute!"
And of course, you must give the <<@>> at least
once to the pimply assed 30 yr old trainer when he
grins at you and says,
"time to up those weights 5 more pounds".....

But once home and out of a nice hot shower,
clean and not as sore you are actually calmer,
there's a smile on your face.....

Why is that?

:cigar2:

[Lady_Di]

Doing my Masters completely online and loving it. I can do the work from anywhere on the planet! Even while in patient here. btw... my surgery went well, it was uneventful. Which is always a good thing in an OR.

Focus Focus Focus


My focus aside from excelling in school, is simple

Eat healthy
Sleep healthy
Hydrate healthy
Exercise healthy

I do believe I see a trend here!

Visualizing, writing everything down with pen and paper, a visceral way to get the neurons in my brain aligned with my focus and true goals. My Shaklee mentor very gently suggested I be writing everything down. Another reminder from the universe, do what works. Just do it.

Julian Cameron would be proud, this suggestion is from me to anyone and everyone here. The Artist's Way. She talks about this same process, the Morning Pages as she calls em. Why do I not do these simply things that I know work. Daily practice of what really does work. Just do it, diane!


And well, puck yesterday... staying present, fully conscious and in the now, pad and paper at the ready. I will do that brain dump each and every day. Once it is on the page, out of my head, then I can fill it with the Light of the Spirit. Love her analogy of filling the well. Inspiration and what I like to think of as a G.d thing. That universal energy of Love, which is just another word for G.d for me. That works for me.

Love is the most powerful tool in my war chest, tool box, whatever visual I happen to be focusing on. Though this is not a war, but an act of love. Health wellness, vitality, all that vim and vigor. My goals are attainable. One day at a time. One hour at a time. One second...

Choosing the next right thing for me. Forgetting the past and simply moving on. Taking action.

We can do this! Together. Like they say in many spiritual programs, religions and even paganism *gots to love the Druid in me* This is a We program.

We are not alone. May the Great Spirit be with you. And may you feel my support of what each and everyone of you are doing here. As I am babbling on here, chock full of some really great drugs. I probably should just hit submit, or reply, whatever they calls it here.

Submission is a good thing. Submitting to my Higher Power, with absolute trust and fealty. Mother nature rules!

In health and wellness, with much happiness,
Di


:goodluck:

[deedarino]

Still here pluggin along. I have been working my butt off, literally. Unfortunately with exercise the lbs went up for a bit. I was a little discouraged but the scale has finally started heading downward. So far, I am back to my lowest so the rest is gravy from here.

Sorry about the gravy comment...

[Hollylane]

"dear weight loss gods, please let me retain my ass thank you in advance"

Good for you gaea! Your prayer made me laugh. I have the same thought often. Interestingly, my ass is actually growing because of muscle growth. If I'd know this years ago, I would have started the hiking and squats much sooner!


Why is it that before you get to the gym
you are cussing out everything.....
And once there, you cuss out your legs, your arms, your
back...muscles screaming as you grunt...
"one more minute...I can do anything for one more
stinking minute!"
And of course, you must give the <<@>> at least
once to the pimply assed 30 yr old trainer when he
grins at you and says,
"time to up those weights 5 more pounds".....

But once home and out of a nice hot shower,
clean and not as sore you are actually calmer,
there's a smile on your face.....

Why is that?

:cigar2:

Jo, this is so true. All of it. It is that glow of self pride. It feels so good to accomplish more than you think is possible. Even when working out with a pimply faced thirty year old. lol.

I have not seen my trainer in about two weeks, he is going to kill me with his workout on Wednesday.

I am plateauing this week, nothing gained, nothing lost...Not even a Cornish hen was lost this past week. :| Time to pump up the volume again.

[Leigh]

Well I learned a very valuable lesson today ~ regular pepsi/coke doesn't agree with me anymore! I had one of those swiss mushroom melt bistro sandwiches from McDonald's and small fries plus a regular coke (not diet). Uhhhh yeah THAT was a huge ass mistake on my part ~ because over the last two weeks I've only been drinking water and the occasional diet coke, the sugar got to me and threw me into an anxiety attack that felt like I couldn't breathe. Took me a few minutes to figure out why I was feeling that way, once I had drank a full glass of water I felt fine again so now I've learned my lesson: NO more regular soft drinks, only the occasional diet one and stick with plain/flavored water!

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

So I've been parked at 200 for a long time....this morning I woke up, hopped on the scale and....

199.6

Yep....finally broke the 200 barrier! :cheesy:

Now to stick with the eating plan and work out very closely over the next week or so to make sure I don't backslide.

Also....isn't it funny how exercise does all the right stuff for us? Hollylane is building a butt, and I'm losing some. :)

The biggest change I see in my body is from my waist to my knees....where everything is shrinking, especially my belly, and toning up. It's a great feeling, because that's exactly what I needed.

I really believe that exercising regularly is helping to keep the weight loss healthy and in the right spots!

Have a great day all. :rrose:

[Novelafemme]

There is a lot of differing ideas about just exactly what is Paleo. I say whatever works for you. Bottomline, I think there is a lot of truth about listening to our bodies. Everyone is unique. I do like the idea and my body responds to the simple fact that my genetic history has not adapted to the modern diet. Genetically for example, I don't do well with lactose. Genetically I am able to drink like a fish. Though I choose not to, for a myriad of reasons. But I digress. Some folks are actually missing certain enzymes because of their genetic history. Like the Indiginous people, Native Americans who do not produce the enzymes to break down alcohol. And do not even get me started about what the white man's diet has done to my NA friends and family! When they eat as their ancestors did, there is little to no diabetes, no cardiovascular and kidney disease. Anyhows... I rather doubt any body does well with a processed food diet. But dang if that stuff is not addictive as all get out!

I know for years I simply ignored my body, put blinders on. Not really in touch with what my body was feeling, not a good way to live. I think many of us have the 'ignore the elephant in the living room' syndrome. Disassociate from what simply is.

I prefer reality today. Practicing acceptance, does not mean I am powerless. It actually empowers me to do the next right thing and be conscious. Part of being in the present, in the now. That was then, this is now. I love that old saying, that if you have one foot in the past, one in the future... you will be pissing all over today. Can not change the past, but we can learn from it. Listening to our bodies is part of that process.

There is a lot of evidence about low grade inflammatory process in our guts that is common to many people today. On a microscopic level, we can see it quite clearly and the labs also tell the tale. I hope everyone gets a yearly C-reactive protein test in their yearly blood work. As it is a simple indication of inflammation, which is linked to so many disease processes it is not even funny. Anyhows, as I babble on here which I tend to do... My gut simply is not happy with most of what is common in today's diets. I feel lighter, cleaner inside and out when I eat simple.

I like to call it the God diet, eating things the way God made em. Unprocessed. Unrefined. Whole.

Ever hear the saying that the less there is on the ingredient list the better?
And whole foods, don't even have an ingredient list, making that an excellent yardstick to gauge if something is healthy or not.

btw... My experiment last week with the organic kefir was a wonderful surprise. It surprised me how much I liked it. And all those probiotics and prebiotics are very helpful. I absolutely love the experimental process! I am a very good test subject~

Try it, you might like it~!

...and if you do not like something the first time, do not give up on it. Might be you were in a bad mood, or biochemically in an odd place. Or that was not the best kumquat, or whatever you might be trying for the first time. I like to always give new things 3 chances, just in case there was some reason it was not ideal situation. Like the chef having a bad day or the ingredients not being of the highest grade. When I eat a strawberry for example, some are much better than others, no?

As a foodie, I like to try new tastes, explore cultures thru what they eat. A great suggestion I heard once.... Try something new once a week. And eat colour. The more colour in your diet the better!

Eating the rainbow today. Watermelon and strawberries, cucumbers and tomatoes. Wonderful lemons. Have not picked a protein. And you know what, I might not. Since I have surgery tomorrow, it might be nice to have less in my gut. I am taking prunes with me. I like them extra dried out prunes, they become really chewy and better than candy. Just to keep things moving with all the narcotic I will be having on board and what not. And I am looking forward to the excellent food this hospital makes, it is like a 4 star restaurant, I can order anything I want. So veggies, fruit and protein... will be exactly what I will be consuming.

When I had my first knee replaced in December, I was able to lose a significant amount of weight. Between the PT, gym time and the good eats, it is an opportunity to really concentrate on health and wellness. Also feels great to be spoiled rotten by the great staff! I admit it, I love hospitals. Always have. They have always felt like home to me.

It is also a way for me to network with those in my profession and it is always a good time to make a good first impression. Who knows, I might be working here in the near future.

My dad was right, it is all about attitude. In anything we are persuing.

Progressing along this road less traveled, no perfection in sight.

d

Love, LOve, LOVE this post, Di!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[JoSchmooze]

Good morning healthies :)

So I've been parked at 200 for a long time....this morning I woke up, hopped on the scale and....

199.6

Yep....finally broke the 200 barrier! :cheesy:

Now to stick with the eating plan and work out very closely over the next week or so to make sure I don't backslide.

Also....isn't it funny how exercise does all the right stuff for us? Hollylane is building a butt, and I'm losing some. :)

The biggest change I see in my body is from my waist to my knees....where everything is shrinking, especially my belly, and toning up. It's a great feeling, because that's exactly what I needed.

I really believe that exercising regularly is helping to keep the weight loss healthy and in the right spots!

Have a great day all. :rrose:

Doing the Happy Snoopy dance for the other Jo.....
It took me a week but I am back to where I was
pre-Austin.....
On another thread someone said something about Ben & Jerry having a new rocky road ice cream.....
I bought a pint on Sunday and hid it behind the frozen fruit
for my one bite at a time celebration when I break
200......

Keep it up, girl!
You are doing so well and are an inspriaration!

:cowboy:

[gaea]

Good for you gaea! Your prayer made me laugh. I have the same thought often. Interestingly, my ass is actually growing because of muscle growth. If I'd know this years ago, I would have started the hiking and squats much sooner!


Holly 7 years ago (oh goodness, time flies) i took a short term position out at a local casino, in doing this they had a fat factory for a lunch room however if you looked around they also had so much healthy stuff...so since i could not leave for lunch i always ate really healthy at lunch, i always took the stairs and i dropped 100 pounds in one year I had gotten to a rather uncomfortable size for me, taking the stairs every day gave me an ass lift that i still have :)..I tend to carry my weight in my mid section my legs and arms dont blow up just my belly...so that is what i have been working on...

and last

Let the ass lifts begin!

[gaea]

I have a friend who is trying to lose weight she seems reluctant to do it the healthy way not sure why..in any case im trying to encourage her daily..she thinks she should be "bathing suit" ready by june...wtf? I have no idea what bathing suit ready is...i wear my bathing suit and i go out and tan and even though i have 25 more lbs to go to be where i want to be i dont care what people think im going to enjoy myself because i can..my advice to her has been to take this one pound at a time and stop worrying about this "bathing suit ready" bullshit and get a suit and come lay out with me. I fear she is setting herself up for failure. Me im gonna done my suit anyway... :). I like the sun and im not going to let a few extra pounds scare me off from doing what i love to do regardless of what it is.

I cant help someone who chooses not to listen to good healthy advice.

[JoSchmooze]

I have a friend who is trying to lose weight she seems reluctant to do it the healthy way not sure why..in any case im trying to encourage her daily..she thinks she should be "bathing suit" ready by june...wtf? I have no idea what bathing suit ready is...i wear my bathing suit and i go out and tan and even though i have 25 more lbs to go to be where i want to be i dont care what people think im going to enjoy myself because i can..my advice to her has been to take this one pound at a time and stop worrying about this "bathing suit ready" bullshit and get a suit and come lay out with me. I fear she is setting herself up for failure. Me im gonna done my suit anyway... :). I like the sun and im not going to let a few extra pounds scare me off from doing what i love to do regardless of what it is.

I cant help someone who chooses not to listen to good healthy advice.

This is where I find the term "addiction" to
be appropriate. And I have to remember that
I have no control over other people, places and things....
I can advise, give my opinion and my friend then needs to
make her own choices.....
Jest saying.....

:cigar2:

[girl_dee]

I have a friend who is trying to lose weight she seems reluctant to do it the healthy way not sure why..in any case im trying to encourage her daily..she thinks she should be "bathing suit" ready by june...wtf? I have no idea what bathing suit ready is...i wear my bathing suit and i go out and tan and even though i have 25 more lbs to go to be where i want to be i dont care what people think im going to enjoy myself because i can..my advice to her has been to take this one pound at a time and stop worrying about this "bathing suit ready" bullshit and get a suit and come lay out with me. I fear she is setting herself up for failure. Me im gonna done my suit anyway... :). I like the sun and im not going to let a few extra pounds scare me off from doing what i love to do regardless of what it is.

I cant help someone who chooses not to listen to good healthy advice.

Believe me, people with any type of food disorder struggle with this and for me it's SO hard to get that eating more food, or ANY food to lose weight is healthy advice. i STILL 20 years later struggle with not feeling like food is the enemy.

[gaea]

This is where I find the term "addiction" to
be appropriate. And I have to remember that
I have no control over other people, places and things....
I can advise, give my opinion and my friend then needs to
make her own choices.....
Jest saying.....

:cigar2:



I agree she makes her own choices, she has been given a lot of information however the rest is up to her..i understand that.

[Hollylane]

Interestingly, I'm not that in to food. This has been an ongoing problem for me with gastroparesis. I am nauseous to some degree every day, some days worse than others. So it is hard for me to consume the appropriate amounts of food. My gastro doc says that my diet should resemble that of someone who has had gastric bypass(I have not had this), but some days, I can hardly consume even that much food.

You have to eat to live. Eating enough food is what makes it possible for me to get out and do the things I need to for my health and well being. It is a vicious cycle. I am constantly challenged to find foods packed with enough calories, a small amount of carbohydrates, and enough nutrients to get me through my daily fitness activities, and small enough servings to help me digest in a timely manner. Fun!

As I am entering the path, again, of quitting smoking, I'm wondering what will happen this time, with these existing circumstances.

[starryeyes]

I did elliptical for 20 min yesterday and going back again today! Looking forward to staying on track! One day at a time :)

Hugs to all

[Novelafemme]

Interestingly, I'm not that in to food. This has been an ongoing problem for me with gastroparesis. I am nauseous to some degree every day, some days worse than others. So it is hard for me to consume the appropriate amounts of food. My gastro doc says that my diet should resemble that of someone who has had gastric bypass(I have not had this), but some days, I can hardly consume even that much food.

You have to eat to live. Eating enough food is what makes it possible for me to get out and do the things I need to for my health and well being. It is a vicious cycle. I am constantly challenged to find foods packed with enough calories, a small amount of carbohydrates, and enough nutrients to get me through my daily fitness activities, and small enough servings to help me digest in a timely manner. Fun!

As I am entering the path, again, of quitting smoking, I'm wondering what will happen this time, with these existing circumstances.

Holly, could you share with me a bit more about your struggle with gastroparesis? I've never heard of it but I also experience multiple periods of nausia throughout my day and have wondered what it means.

[Hollylane]

I would be happy to share my experience as a person living with gastroparesis. Probably something that would derail the thread though, unless others are interested in learning about it in the Healthy Weight Loss thread. Could I pm you about it after work today?

[Novelafemme]

On another note...I caught a glimpse of my booty in the mirror this morning and was a bit flabergasted! But, the good news is that it provided me with some motivation to get back to the gym. Between school, work, family and other obligations I have not been making time to run or work out. It's time to get back on track!!

[Novelafemme]

I would be happy to share my experience as a person living with gastroparesis. Probably something that would derail the thread though, unless others are interested in learning about it in the Healthy Weight Loss thread. Could I pm you about it after work today?

Of course!! Thanks so much!

[girl_dee]

Down a pound and a half at WW Weigh In. Doesn't seem like much but it sure beats a gain. 15 more pounds to go!

[Leigh]

Decided to buy myself a hot chocolate this morning ~ note to self, do NOT do that ever again! The sugar in it threw my system completely off; with only drinking water and like one diet coke a day I'm not used to the straight sugar anymore so it looks like my body (and I) do not really want that kind of crap in my body! For me considering how heavy into sugar I was before I started drinking water, its been two weeks and its like I don't have the urge to have it at all now ........... this is a HUGE breakthrough for me and I am quite proud of myself :D

[gaea]

Decided to buy myself a hot chocolate this morning ~ note to self, do NOT do that ever again! The sugar in it threw my system completely off; with only drinking water and like one diet coke a day I'm not used to the straight sugar anymore so it looks like my body (and I) do not really want that kind of crap in my body! For me considering how heavy into sugar I was before I started drinking water, its been two weeks and its like I don't have the urge to have it at all now ........... this is a HUGE breakthrough for me and I am quite proud of myself :D

:) that is awesome. i drink water primarily If i get a pop its a treat and maybe one a month if that. i drink water all day long..

[Leigh]

:) that is awesome. i drink water primarily If i get a pop its a treat and maybe one a month if that. i drink water all day long..


I think its awesome too! I've never liked water but I'm slowly getting used to it, even times when I still hate it I refuse to cave in. So far so good, two weeks and going :)

[femmedyke]

Fell ill last week, period started and my workouts kind of hit pause. I slept tons and tons, didn't really watch what I was eating (wasn't really even that hungry) and did not go to the gym. Meh.

Started back at the gym yesterday, there was a young girl my age on the treadmill, she was doing pretty amazing switching it up between high incline and a good run at about 5mph. I was feeling very competitive, which honestly is an awesome motivator and got in a really great workout of my own. 35 minutes brisk walk and run with a five minute cool down, stretched and called it a night. Tonight I think I'll do 30 minutes on the elliptical, some strength work and maybe floor. I'm tired and disinterested so we'll see how it goes...

For those who are working out -- do you rock out? Whatcha listening to?

Hope this post finds all well and happy~

[JoSchmooze]

I think its awesome too! I've never liked water but I'm slowly getting used to it, even times when I still hate it I refuse to cave in. So far so good, two weeks and going :)

Another bottle of water please is my mantra....
I have a six pack of diet coke in the fridge but I
haven't touched it for 2 months now.....
I just hate to have to pee every freakin 15 seconds!!

:cigar2:

[girl_dee]

Water is a big issue for me, i always figured coffee was like the main ingredient in coffee, so it should count.

Well it ain't so.

i bought a WW mug which holds 32 oz of water, i try (TRY) to get in two a day at least. I find drinking with a straw is a big help.

Jo i hate the peeing or having to pee every five minutes too, i try to remember how nice my skin and hair feels when i do drink lots of water (i KNOW how important that is to ya) and drinking it does dissuade me from snacking so much. i do love a good snack.

[gaea]

Another bottle of water please is my mantra....
I have a six pack of diet coke in the fridge but I
haven't touched it for 2 months now.....
I just hate to have to pee every freakin 15 seconds!!

:cigar2:



i don't buy pop for my house at all ever, and i drink tap water filtered, tap water was good enough when i was a kid heck hose water was good enough lol so i figure its still good enough.

our bodies need water to flush out the icky stuff.

[thedivahrrrself]

Going to get a workout from a former drill sergeant today. I'm not sure if I'm more scared of hurting or just looking like a wuss! Let's hope this is the beginning of something good. :)

[Leigh]

Another bottle of water please is my mantra....
I have a six pack of diet coke in the fridge but I
haven't touched it for 2 months now.....
I just hate to have to pee every freakin 15 seconds!!

:cigar2:



I go and buy one diet coke a day from 7-11 but when I get my disability check this weekend I am going to just go and get a pack of them ~ I will *only* drink one a day still and the rest of the day its still only going to be water. I find as the days go by I slowly find that its getting easier to drink it, I still don't always like it but even still I managed to somehow power through it :)

LOL no I don't like peeing often either, but its getting rid of all the crap in my body so I can handle that !

i bought a WW mug which holds 32 oz of water, i try (TRY) to get in two a day at least. I find drinking with a straw is a big help.

Jo i hate the peeing or having to pee every five minutes too, i try to remember how nice my skin and hair feels when i do drink lots of water (i KNOW how important that is to ya) and drinking it does dissuade me from snacking so much. i do love a good snack.

I think it would be much easier to have one of those to keep up on drinking water but I try and get in atleast 5-7 glasses of water per day ~ no its not easy and I still don't like it but its gonna benefit me far more than anything else so I will get used to the taste for my health :)

i don't buy pop for my house at all ever, and i drink tap water filtered, tap water was good enough when i was a kid heck hose water was good enough lol so i figure its still good enough.

our bodies need water to flush out the icky stuff.

I have a Brita filter system here at home but I never seem to use it much. I'd love to get one of those filter things that actually attach to the faucet itself, which would make it easier and no guesswork lol

[Hollylane]

I bought two 32 oz bottles for hiking, I've been drinking 64 oz of water a day. This is a big change for me, I do not like water. The more I work out, the more I know I need it, so I make myself do it. I make deals with myself. If you drink the water you can have a diet pop, and so on.

I was successful at not smoking today, and got in an extra walk during lunch since I was spending that time puffing away. Then I ate a charbroiled fish taco without the shell, it was fabulous.

I hope you all are having a nice evening.

[girl_dee]

JoSchmooze sent me a nice rep in which he confessed how he secretly worries about his hair and skin so is lapping up the water. :| VERY inspirational!

64 oz of water seems like a LOT of water, but when i leave my mug out and take sips here and there it just goes.

If i could count the water in my coffee i would be doing REALLY good!

Last night i made tacos and jasmine rice. i skipped the rice and enjoyed the rest for about 8 WW points. Not bad for yummy tacos!

[JoSchmooze]

JoSchmooze sent me a nice rep in which he confessed how he secretly worries about his hair and skin so is lapping up the water. :| VERY inspirational!

64 oz of water seems like a LOT of water, but when i leave my mug out and take sips here and there it just goes.

If i could count the water in my coffee i would be doing REALLY good!

Last night i made tacos and jasmine rice. i skipped the rice and enjoyed the rest for about 8 WW points. Not bad for yummy tacos!

Oh, you are soooooooooo not right!!
Please Alex, may I have "SARCASM" for a thousand please?

Although I do have to say that I go nowhere without at least 2 bottles of water with me......
My coffe now is black with some stevia and I have
barely touched alcohol since I started dieting.....
I had a friend over the other night - I threw burgers onte grill
and she even brought over her own beermand juice for her 12 yr old daughter becuse she figures all I had was water in the fridge....
She's right!
This hCG diet says that if you plateau for five days in a row,
that you do an "apple day"...meaning that you only eat 6 apples
for that day. I have flirted with an apple day twice before
but finally got the numbers to move...
Today is day three of 216.8 - so not looking forward
to an apple day but I don't know what else to do.
My weigh in is on Friday so to get my mind off the
scale I did my measurrments yesterday.
3.5 inches gone from chest,
2.5 inches from waist,
3 inches from the hips
3 inches from the thighs,
0.5 from the upper arm but I attribute
that to the strength and toning work I have been doing....

I have chicken strips out for chicken tacos today....
Evidently great minds do think alike.....

:cowboy:

[JoSchmooze]

BTW....64 oz of water comes out to 4 1/2 liters
of bottled water a day. MY NP told me that I shold just buy the liter bottles and then I would know that I only needed to get through
2 of them a day....
Jest saying.....

:cigar2:

[Lady_Di]

Groundbreaking Research on Self-Esteem

Aimee Lee Ball reports on the groundbreaking research proving that self-esteem can be learned, taught, developed, and, best of all, spread around like crazy.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Experience-Your-Full-Range-of-Emotions/2#ixzz1t3aaTLv7

[Lady_Di]

Interestingly, I'm not that in to food. This has been an ongoing problem for me with gastroparesis. I am nauseous to some degree every day, some days worse than others. So it is hard for me to consume the appropriate amounts of food. My gastro doc says that my diet should resemble that of someone who has had gastric bypass(I have not had this), but some days, I can hardly consume even that much food.

You have to eat to live. Eating enough food is what makes it possible for me to get out and do the things I need to for my health and well being. It is a vicious cycle. I am constantly challenged to find foods packed with enough calories, a small amount of carbohydrates, and enough nutrients to get me through my daily fitness activities, and small enough servings to help me digest in a timely manner. Fun!

As I am entering the path, again, of quitting smoking, I'm wondering what will happen this time, with these existing circumstances.

why or why did this post twice, or is it 3 times... benadryl makes me loopy.

d' who hates taking meds

[Lady_Di]

Interestingly, I'm not that in to food. This has been an ongoing problem for me with gastroparesis. I am nauseous to some degree every day, some days worse than others. So it is hard for me to consume the appropriate amounts of food. My gastro doc says that my diet should resemble that of someone who has had gastric bypass(I have not had this), but some days, I can hardly consume even that much food.

You have to eat to live. Eating enough food is what makes it possible for me to get out and do the things I need to for my health and well being. It is a vicious cycle. I am constantly challenged to find foods packed with enough calories, a small amount of carbohydrates, and enough nutrients to get me through my daily fitness activities, and small enough servings to help me digest in a timely manner. Fun!

As I am entering the path, again, of quitting smoking, I'm wondering what will happen this time, with these existing circumstances.


Yes, they call that nutrient density and it is particularly important for gastro problems. And I do not think this subject is off topic, btw. It is about whatever it takes to be healthy and reflect that in a healthy weight loss. It is not easy carrying around extra weight, I have been all sorts of different sizes, I know how hard it is to navigate in this world with extra weight on. It made me a prisoner of my own making, closed down opportunities due to my larger than life size. We make no judgements here. We know that all people are beautiful, no matter their size. But the reality is it can make us differently abled and hinder our lives. Having been fit at one time, I know the difference it makes. Please keep sharing, you never know if someone may be lurking here and can really relate to what you have to share, but for whatever reason they might not be posting. There are a lot of deep seated shame issues around these subjects, no? You might really be helping someone, being of service to others by sharing your experience, strength and hope. Your honesty and opening up about these issues is a very good thing, imnsho.

Extra weight is a multifaceted situation with a myriad of things that affect our health and wellness.

I did have gastric bypass back in 2007, but for several reasons I did not exactly utilize my 'little buddy' as I like to call him. First of all, I lived with someone who was only happy with refined white flour and sugar, processed foods. Did not enjoy trying new things and was stuck food wise, basically ate like a child. I did often had to cook things that were entirely different than what I needed to eat for my own health and wellness. But making two entirely different dinners, or lunch, not exactly easy to do. It got old fast. I admit I simply took the easier softer way, and often ate the crap that hy enjoyed.

Still was and is my own responsibility, I take complete blame for that silliness. Ultimately we are all responsible for what and when we put anything into our mouths. Like dr phil says, somedays we just like to have a party in our mouths. Somedays we just want, crave some immediate gratification. But we pay a high price for such things, as not caring what we eat. And I do care.

I care for myself these days on elemental levels. I know I am ultimately responsible for what and how I consume anything and it is I who will pay the piper in the end from what I eat today. There is a price to pay and some of us pay for it dearly. Today it does feel good to care for myself, my precious body and mind. They are all connected, we are all connected.

There is no one to blame for what has happened to me and my poor old body. Bottomline it is abusive to not listen to what it really needs to do the work of living and loving on this good earth. In my previous relationship, food was a real issue for us. We did not compromise or work well together when it came to these food issues. Hy said hy was willing to support me in whatever I needed to do, but in reality. Grape jelly on nasty ole white bread toast were what he considered good eats. Total crap for me, no nutrient density. No nutrients basically.

I need to focus firstly on protein. And the dietician was very specific, I require at the minimum 70 grams of protein per day. And on days when I did not feel like eating at all, I had to think of it as medicine almost. Fuel for my body to be able to function at optimal levels.

As for the protein - the higher the quality the better. The less processed, the better. Free range, grass fed, no antibiotics or hormones of any type, all conducive to better quality proteins. My ex preferred hot dogs or worst. Fried anything. Stuff that my body actually did not like at all. It was a dramatic indication of many things, mostly that I do not do well with processed foods. Even the highest quality of Kosher hot dogs I did not do well with. It is about listening, really tuning into what your body needs. If you listen it will tell you. But you have to get into that quiet space and really care.

As I have mentioned before, there is a definite addictive quality to those over processed, easy foods that dominate the food stores in this country. I realize it does cost more to eat healthy. But the savings in the long run comes from lower medical bills and feeling tons better, inside and out - looking good, fit and healthy. Nothing better than that!

Sorry for babbling on here. I am still in the hospital and keep getting distracted. Just had a benedryl for my itching. I am very sensitive to many things, including the medication they put in the spinal. Also the pre-op scrub soap... another thing I am apparently sensitive too. Hence the babbling on here as I am drifting off to sleep. Time for a nice nap before PT.

A nurse manager just came in and essentially interviewed me. I am well on my way here, on track to getting a job. We even discussed the food issue and the importance of health and wellness, how it effects my abilities as a nurse. That is the reality of the weight issue. I feel very lucky to finally be able to take full advantage of my 'little buddy' which reminds me to eat smaller portions and be conscientious about what and how I consume. Nutrient dense food... A very good thing, as Martha Stewart likes to say. And well, she is G.d isn't she? :fastdraq:

[thedivahrrrself]

I am still alive. I need new much more practical shoes! Doing it again tonight.

[JustJo]

I tend to over-think and over-complicate things...

Part of this healthy weight loss journey, for me has been to keep it very, very simple.

Drink more water.

Eat healthier food.

Eat more reasonable portions.

Move more.

Lately, I'm also finding that I have to re-learn a few things....like how to recognize thirst, and fatigue.

As a very young child, and continuing throughout most of my life, I have been trained (and sometimes pressured) to ignore my own feelings and needs in order to keep working, doing, and being for others.

I'm learning that much of the time, when I feel "hungry" and would normally eat....I am actually tired, and need a nap.

Who'd a thunk it? :blink:

[JoSchmooze]

I tend to over-think and over-complicate things...

Part of this healthy weight loss journey, for me has been to keep it very, very simple.

Drink more water.

Eat healthier food.

Eat more reasonable portions.

Move more.

Lately, I'm also finding that I have to re-learn a few things....like how to recognize thirst, and fatigue.

As a very young child, and continuing throughout most of my life, I have been trained (and sometimes pressured) to ignore my own feelings and needs in order to keep working, doing, and being for others.

I'm learning that much of the time, when I feel "hungry" and would normally eat....I am actually tired, and need a nap.

Who'd a thunk it? :blink:

Two words:
Behaviour modification....

I went to lunch today with a friend who's
mom has recently passed way....
This lil itty bitty thang had the "ultimate bacon
and cheese omelette", hash browns and sour dough toast.
I could have jumped right up and stolen all her
food without a fight - but instead I had the chicken
caesar salad anf brought my own no cal, etc dressing.....

Also early this morning I spoke with the manager of the fitness
center and kinda unloaded on him about Mr. Pimply assed 30 yr old
trainer. I even threatened to pull my membership.
I freakin actually stood up for myself (not for someone else but for me this time)
and made my disappointment known.
We'll see what can be changed when I go back on Friday morning.....

:cigar2:

[Hollylane]

Wow! Good for you Jo! Sometimes standing up for ourselves is so much harder than doing it for someone else. That is awesome!

It has been a busy day. I can tell you that a little over a year ago, I would not have had the energy to do all that I did today and workout too. It is amazing how much energy I have lately. I love it.

I found a soda at New Seasons today that has several different flavors, and is sweetened with Stevia. This rocks my world. It is a little bit flat tasting, but it will do for a nice treat.

I have been doing well with my ECig, and have not experienced any overwhelming nausea or cravings for carbohydrate rich foods. So far, so good!

I have at least a 6 mile hike coming up this Saturday with my buddies, Andrew and Kristen. I had a really intense full body medical massage today that I hope will make for a little less foot and leg pain during the hike. On Sunday I am attending a paddling workshop. I've been wanting to learn to kayak since I moved to Oregon, and my body is finally a size that makes this possible, and enjoyable.

I think the medical massage may have helped me make some progress along the path to recovery with my wrist tendonitis and my planter fasciitis. Only time will tell, but she really dug into the muscles and tendons, and I really think this is what I have been needing.

Lady_Di, thank you for your thoughts on that topic. You're right, there are probably many people like me, who may not be talking about their gastro issues. They are an off putting topic to a lot of people.

It took self-diagnosis before my gastroparesis was finally addressed. I developed more than one medical problem from the prolonged lack of treatment, and the condition, which could have been temporary, has become permanent. Speaking up is very important when it comes to healthcare in this country, along with getting more than one opinion.

Have a great evening all :)

[sylvie]

Good Morning all ♥

Pulled my shoulder kinda bad at work, and doctor wrote me out until May 2nd.. Still exercising though, just not the arms, clearly.. talk about pain though..

i cannot stress this enough - no matter what you are doing (at work, housework at home, ready to work out , ANYthing physical) - stretch, stretch, STRETCH... prevent injury, just stretch it out...

i will from now on, that is for certain, having an injury is no fun, and i certainly don't want it longterm... i will be stretching all the time now.. i might have prevented this injury if i was stretching properly, or maybe it wouldn't have been as bad.. lesson learned!

~~~~~~~
In other news, my daughter took a full body picture of me yesterday, and last night i put yesterday's picture along with a picture of me in June (after i had lost 30 lbs) and compared to my current loss of 98 lbs.. And i got emotional, wow.. NOW i can see the difference..

i hated taking my picture back then , i only had face shots and the picture of my full body is very, very rare.. so finding one after 30 lbs lost was a welcome find, and comparing them helped me finally see my loss, rather than feel it.. Because often i look in the mirror and still can't *see* it.. i mean the weight scale tells me so, and i feel it in my health but seeing the difference made all the difference..

That made me very happy!
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

[Thinker]

Lost another 1/4 inch around mah belly...

[JAGG]

Going to get a workout from a former drill sergeant today. I'm not sure if I'm more scared of hurting or just looking like a wuss! Let's hope this is the beginning of something good. :)

You did not work out with a former drill sgt. If you did , you would probably gain weight. You would constantly have to stop so they could catch up. Army is soft and lax like that. But you did workout with a former Marine Corps Drill Instructor!

[gaea]

Going to get a workout from a former drill sergeant today. I'm not sure if I'm more scared of hurting or just looking like a wuss! Let's hope this is the beginning of something good. :)



You did not work out with a former drill sgt. If you did , you would probably gain weight. You would constantly have to stop so they could catch up. Army is soft and lax like that. But you did workout with a former Marine Corps Drill Instructor!

Once a Marine, Always A Marine.

You all are picky by the way lol

[thedivahrrrself]

Going to get a workout from a former drill sergeant today. I'm not sure if I'm more scared of hurting or just looking like a wuss! Let's hope this is the beginning of something good. :)

I must amend and correct this:

DRILL INSTRUCTOR. Per his words: A drill sgt is army title for their pathetic lax lame and lazy joke and farce of a boot camp personnel. The Marine Corps has DRILL INSTRUCTORS. Please don't ever insult me! Next time I may not be so understanding! (freaking civilians)


Next workout is gonna hurt.

[JAGG]

I must amend and correct this:

DRILL INSTRUCTOR. Per his words: A drill sgt is army title for their pathetic lax lame and lazy joke and farce of a boot camp personnel. The Marine Corps has DRILL INSTRUCTORS. Please don't ever insult me! Next time I may not be so understanding! (freaking civilians)


Next workout is gonna hurt.

Don't worry , you WILL make it up to me. And you just THOUGHT you had blisters!

[gaea]

I must amend and correct this:

DRILL INSTRUCTOR. Per his words: A drill sgt is army title for their pathetic lax lame and lazy joke and farce of a boot camp personnel. The Marine Corps has DRILL INSTRUCTORS. Please don't ever insult me! Next time I may not be so understanding! (freaking civilians)


Next workout is gonna hurt.

Don't worry , you WILL make it up to me. And you just THOUGHT you had blisters!

oh Diva...thanks for the great laughs..

[thedivahrrrself]

Don't worry , you WILL make it up to me. And you just THOUGHT you had blisters!

Thought? I have pictures! I had to poke one with a needle, it was gross.

Going to the grocery store tomorrow is probably going to be ten times more painful than the workout!

[JoSchmooze]

Back from the workout
and the weigh-in......
I lost 9.2 lbs this month
even though I really messed up
while I was in Austin.

And, at the gym, the manager is giving me a free
session with my Russian....
OMG!! He stopped what he was doing when I walked
in and gave me a proper salute!
So, today is a good day.....

:glasses:

[gaea]

today i slid into a size 10 pair of slacks, they hug my bum perfect...a little loose in the thigh and calf area...i thought they were 12's..for me this is a good thing..even though ive been primarily focused on the belly fat it seems im shrinking a little bit all over not so bad...

[gaea]

Thought? I have pictures! I had to poke one with a needle, it was gross.

Going to the grocery store tomorrow is probably going to be ten times more painful than the workout!

wear flip flops if you can..

[starryeyes]

I have been tracking today! Ya!

So far, I have had

Small Latte- 2pp
Oatmeal- 7pp

5oz lean turkey- 5pp
Light English muffin- 2pp
1oz goldfish crackers-3pp

I am going to a restaurant to meet a friend so I am going to make a good choice and keep doing this! Ya :)

Smiles

[gaea]

ok so i had a moment today where i felt completely ticked at my boss when he made a "comment" about my diet being poor and unhealthy because i snack on crackers wtf? I was so mad when i went to lunch and then i remembered my dad always saying you will get happy in the same britches you got mad in, and i sat there and thought yep cause my boss has no idea about my diet whatsoever, he has never had a meal with me so i let his shitty comment go and came back from lunch a happy girl.

[Gemme]

Fell ill last week, period started and my workouts kind of hit pause. I slept tons and tons, didn't really watch what I was eating (wasn't really even that hungry) and did not go to the gym. Meh.

Started back at the gym yesterday, there was a young girl my age on the treadmill, she was doing pretty amazing switching it up between high incline and a good run at about 5mph. I was feeling very competitive, which honestly is an awesome motivator and got in a really great workout of my own. 35 minutes brisk walk and run with a five minute cool down, stretched and called it a night. Tonight I think I'll do 30 minutes on the elliptical, some strength work and maybe floor. I'm tired and disinterested so we'll see how it goes...

For those who are working out -- do you rock out? Whatcha listening to?

Hope this post finds all well and happy~

I love stuff with a good, hard beat when I'm on the treadmill or elliptical. I don't mind what's on when I'm doing circuit training as long as it's not maudlin and/or depressing stuff.

When I'm doing my ab work, I like music with a steady beat, but it doesn't have to be upbeat or fast like I prefer on the treadmill/elliptical.

Examples of artists that I listen to on the treadmill or elliptical are: David Guetta, Britney, Lil Jon, Pitbull, Disturbed, LMFAO, Missy Elliott.

[sylvie]

Today, i went for a 2 hour hike with a friend of mine..
We went to the lake and hiked the trails, lots of conversation and lots of laughs.

i, too, love beats when i am working out..
i do love all kinds of music, i have such varied tastes..
but my workouts, hard beats get me moving good!!
(& helps with doing housework too, hehe)

[Leigh]

Well I've had quite the active week this week ~ I'm amazed I survived lol but seriously, I wasn't home a complete day this week so I think that's a first step in this whole weight loss thing. So this past Sunday one of my best friends in r/l had me walking for 5 hours around the biggest mall in our city! OMG I have not hurt that badly in awhile but unlike past times I didn't hurt as long as normal. I was at my parent's floral shop 2 days this week and there is no sitting most days, Tuesday I went for a 2 hour walk, Thursday I got in my first workout in a long time and I've also gone for 3 extra walks after dinner with my father. This is literally the most active week I've had in years and I have to admit that it felt really good :)

[Hollylane]

I love stuff with a good, hard beat when I'm on the treadmill or elliptical. I don't mind what's on when I'm doing circuit training as long as it's not maudlin and/or depressing stuff.

When I'm doing my ab work, I like music with a steady beat, but it doesn't have to be upbeat or fast like I prefer on the treadmill/elliptical.

Examples of artists that I listen to on the treadmill or elliptical are: David Guetta, Britney, Lil Jon, Pitbull, Disturbed, LMFAO, Missy Elliott.

Gemme, you and I have a lot of music in common with workouts, I also toss in a lot of Latin music, and some reggaeton. It is also the only time (other than out at a club) that I will listen to techno, the faster, and the harder the better. :)

Tomorrow is hiking day! I'm ready, sort of. My wrist and heel are feeling better than they have felt in ages. The medical massage was so worth every second of pain :)

I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

Weighed in this morning at 199.2, so still on track. Breakfast (so far) this morning is fresh fruit salad and black coffee....although some protein will be had in a little while.

Rooster and I have been on a fresh fruit salad kick....today's includes a quart of fresh strawberries, half a cantaloupe, an apple, a banana, two oranges....and yes, it'll be gone in one sitting. :cheesy:

If the weather holds up, dog beach and a 3 or 4 mile walk in the sand is on that agenda for today as well.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

[JoSchmooze]

I love stuff with a good, hard beat when I'm on the treadmill or elliptical. I don't mind what's on when I'm doing circuit training as long as it's not maudlin and/or depressing stuff.

When I'm doing my ab work, I like music with a steady beat, but it doesn't have to be upbeat or fast like I prefer on the treadmill/elliptical.

Examples of artists that I listen to on the treadmill or elliptical are: David Guetta, Britney, Lil Jon, Pitbull, Disturbed, LMFAO, Missy Elliott.

Dang, I must be getting old....
I only recognize Pit Bull and Lil Jon on your list!
I went a friend's nephew's wedding last night....
Mormon bride so there was no alcohol....and very sedate
(or so it seemed to me)...
Catered mexican dinner.....not so good mexican which gave me a lot of gas
(I know...TMI...Bwahahahahahhha)
Big boost to my ego though when a lot of my "adopted"
family told me how much I have changed since the
weight loss has started....
That made my whole day/evening!

Ready to hit the elliptical bike....
sometimes hard rocking music and some times
watching videos on the iPhone to pass the time......

:cowboy:

[Gemme]

Dang, I must be getting old....
I only recognize Pit Bull and Lil Jon on your list!
I went a friend's nephew's wedding last night....
Mormon bride so there was no alcohol....and very sedate
(or so it seemed to me)...
Catered mexican dinner.....not so good mexican which gave me a lot of gas
(I know...TMI...Bwahahahahahhha)
Big boost to my ego though when a lot of my "adopted"
family told me how much I have changed since the
weight loss has started....
That made my whole day/evening!

Ready to hit the elliptical bike....
sometimes hard rocking music and some times
watching videos on the iPhone to pass the time......

:cowboy:

David Guetta-dj, mixer, producer and all around musical genius extraordinaire

MyNSx7TXVqE

Britney

-Edv8Onsrgg

Disturbed

09LTT0xwdfw

LMFAO

KQ6zr6kCPj8&ob=av2n

Missy Elliott

kYKI8tAELXY

[Liem]

I live by 'if it wasn't around 200 years ago, don't eat it'

[sylvie]

Hello Healthies ♥
Happy one year of healthy living to me!
:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

A year ago today, something switched in my brain that i needed to get serious about getting healthy (having tried for years and years but always ending up back at square one) - seeking help for my compulsive overeating/eating disorder and 98 lbs lost (maybe more by now) & SO many positive changes..
Very happy with all of my successes so far, i'm excited & happy & looking forward to the next year of weight loss, improving health & inner growth!

i had a VERY productive day today!
Organization is so super important & necessary for me.
So i worked on organizing my health plan & the tools i use daily..
Then i worked at my workbook for recovery - hard stuff but necessary.
Treated myself to a 2 hour walk/hike at the lake, discovering new trails & enjoying nature ♥ & then to a nice long, hot bubble bath once i got home.

Also, working on a few things (my blog, & a facebook page) to mark my year at this and setting some goals & rewards for myself.. i promised myself that i was going to get my tattoo on back of my neck if i could achieve my goal.. my goal isn't to be a specific weight, my goal is to know when i am happy with where i am, it's all about inner joy for me & good health... i know i will get there, i've come this far!! Also working on a list of things to work on for my Weight Loss Support Group i am starting at work - first group get together is May 3rd, i'm excited to lead this!

Anyway, i will continue to work on these things tomorrow since Daddy has a busy weekend this weekend with work, and i have the time off from work and the ability to sit and work on these things.. A great way to spend my weekend after one year of positive changes & so happy with my results so far..

Thank you everyone for being such motivation & a place to turn throughout this year - for all of your suggestions, reps, private messages and encouragement.. This thread is such a positive thing for so many of us, and having an outlet to come share the challenges and the victories that come with our journeys.. i hope i have been able to offer any of those things to you as well over this year..

You all rock!! & inspire me - keep sharing & believing.. ♥
:awww:

[JustJo]

Congratulations Sylvie! :cheer:

What a milestone...and what an amazing job you've done! It's pretty incredible when you realize how much healthier you are now, isn't it?

Bravo!


:cheerleader: :danceparty: :cheer: :danceparty: :cheerleader:

[Ginger]

I haven't been back in a while because I wanted to have something more positive to report and finally I can say, I'm doing better. I worked out four times last week, which is more like my old self. I do half an hour on the elliptical trainer, with more resistance, I always notice, than anyone else around me.

Like many on this thread, I listen to music when I exercise that I wouldn't necessarily listen to outside the gym; a certain kind of 4/4 beat is easier for me to match and keeps me on track to the end of the song, even if my heartbeat goes as high as 156 and I'm breathing hard. (I have perfect blood pressure and don't worry about it. In fact the exertion gets me kind of "high.")

I think I mentioned, I went from a size 6 to a 10 recently; now I'm about an 8, which might be a good place for me.

I finished physical therapy for my shoulder and have good mobility, so I'm about to return to the upper body weight training I always used to do, and I'm eating more protein, like turkey cold cuts, or canned chicken mixed in with chopped salad and ginger dressing—I know that sounds weird but they were preparing it and giving out tastings in Trader Joe's and I really liked it, so I got the ingredients and now I take it for lunch.

Okay the kid just got back from the park so I feel like I can leave the house and go to the gym. Everyone have a healthy day!!!

[JoSchmooze]

...to both Sylvie (what a milestone!)
and IslandScout (for not giving up)....

Getting ready to take the dog for her Sunday morning
at the dog park, I decided to see if I had a smaller
belt that fit a bt better.....
TA DA!! A milestone for me to be able to hit the second
notch on a shorter belt!!

Keep on trucking y'all......

:|

[sylvie]

Thank you so much..
Indeed the difference in how i feel is what makes me want to keep at this, i feel sooo much better & healthier .. and the notches up in self-esteem feel great too.

This weekend i got so much done..
And feel like i'm back on track, which i've been so needing..
i've felt slightly off for awhile and started to feel my behaviors starting up again and knew i needed to be re-motivated.. So recognizing my one year has been very timely in re-motivating myself..

i went for 2 hour walks/hikes (since i have the days off) the last 3 days - fresh air always helps me be a more positive me as well.. And i worked hard at my recovery workbook - organized a lot of things and feel a great deal of balance where my recovery & weight loss plan are concerned.

i know i've got this, again & back on track.

Lastly, i asked Candace back when she made her page if she would be okay if i did a blog and facebook page as well.. She is truly inspiring to me & i gain SO much motivation from her, and she agreed.. Of course like everything i put it all on the back burner.. So this weekend, i worked hard at those as well..Thank you again Candace for being supportive and inspiring us all everyday. ♥

my blog : http://a-sylly-journey.blogspot.ca/
my facebook page : http://www.facebook.com/ASyllyJourney

Leaving soon for my walk!
Have a happy , healthy day everyone.. ♥

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

I had to order a prescription refill (for the diabetes) this morning and, while I was on the website, thought I'd check something out.

Here's a little bonus I received for working on getting healthier...purely in dollars and cents:


2010 - total cost I paid for prescriptions was $3,212.29
2011 - total cost I paid for prescriptions was $1,331.63
2012 - anticipated total cost I will pay for prescriptions is $401.52


That means I paid myself $1,880.66 in 2011.....and will pay myself $2,810.77 this year....instead of putting it in the pockets of the drug companies.

And....cuz I love math....if I had stayed on the 2010 figures, my outlay for meds over the next 25 years (to age 75) would have been $80,307.25.....at the current level, my cost to the same point will be $10,038.....a savings of $70,269.35 :blink:

[DapperButch]

Good morning healthies :)

I had to order a prescription refill (for the diabetes) this morning and, while I was on the website, thought I'd check something out.

Here's a little bonus I received for working on getting healthier...purely in dollars and cents:


2010 - total cost I paid for prescriptions was $3,212.29
2011 - total cost I paid for prescriptions was $1,331.63
2012 - anticipated total cost I will pay for prescriptions is $401.52


That means I paid myself $1,880.66 in 2011.....and will pay myself $2,810.77 this year....instead of putting it in the pockets of the drug companies.

And....cuz I love math....if I had stayed on the 2010 figures, my outlay for meds over the next 25 years (to age 75) would have been $80,307.25.....at the current level, my cost to the same point will be $10,038.....a savings of $70,269.35 :blink:

I love this! Awesome!

And congrats to you!

[Cowboi]

Howdy peeps!! Well vacation is over. Its time to get down to business. Had a great workout this afternoon. Gonna have some chicken breast, and steamed broccoli for dinner.
Y'all are doing great!!!

[Ginger]

Good morning healthies :)

I had to order a prescription refill (for the diabetes) this morning and, while I was on the website, thought I'd check something out.

Here's a little bonus I received for working on getting healthier...purely in dollars and cents:


2010 - total cost I paid for prescriptions was $3,212.29
2011 - total cost I paid for prescriptions was $1,331.63
2012 - anticipated total cost I will pay for prescriptions is $401.52


That means I paid myself $1,880.66 in 2011.....and will pay myself $2,810.77 this year....instead of putting it in the pockets of the drug companies.

And....cuz I love math....if I had stayed on the 2010 figures, my outlay for meds over the next 25 years (to age 75) would have been $80,307.25.....at the current level, my cost to the same point will be $10,038.....a savings of $70,269.35 :blink:


Actually...if you had stayed that unhealthy (assuming it's something you can control, which you seem to be saying), there might not have been another 25 years...

[JustJo]

Actually...if you had stayed that unhealthy (assuming it's something you can control, which you seem to be saying), there might not have been another 25 years...

Absolutely true...one of the "inspirations" for me to get healthier was being aware of the horrible death experienced by my aunt from diabetic complications in her late 50s, and the knowledge that, of my father's 8 siblings, only one has made it past age 60.

Heart disease and diabetes has decimated my family....and they have participated in generating their own health problems through the way they eat and (don't) exercise.

My father was 45 when he died, and I am 50.

For me, this journey isn't about the number on the scale or the size pants I wear (although those are fun things to see improving :) )....it is purely and simply about staying alive and healthy enough to see my son grow up and, hopefully, to enjoy a long retirement and eventual grandchildren.

I honestly don't give a crap about society's messages that "thin is beautiful" and that you can't wear more than a size 8 and be desirable. I do care a great deal about keeping my vision, and my feet, and living long enough to enjoy the non-working part of my life.

I'm fortunate that my diabetes was caught early enough to be treated with oral meds....so I am not insulin-dependent....and I have never been a "fragile" diabetic. My doctor describes me as a "sturdy diabetic"....and that works for me. My genetics pretty much guarantee that my diabetes isn't going anywhere....but if I can control it with metformin, improved eating habits and regular exercise....then I can live with that.

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies,

Just got home from my doctor appointment, and my bloodwork.
i got the all clear to go back to work tomorrow, but taking it easy.. It's hard to know if my shoulder/arm is completely ready for going back until i try - crossing my fingers i can, because i want to get back to doing weights at the gym (lol)

Bloodwork was for a number of things, but she felt it fitting to check everything out since losing the weight i've lost, can't wait for the results.. i know my blood pressure has been perfect, which makes me happy.

So, got an hour walk in today going to all of my appointments.. May go for another walk later on, and getting ready to do day 2 of a 4 week video challenge i've joined on SparkPeople.

Yay for still being active despite an injury, feeling pretty frigging great this week.. Energy is back, and pushing myself lots more..

Jo, love that breakdown you did for money saved, how amazing is that!?
Top it all off with how great you feel, i'm smiling big for you !

Have a great day everyone ♥

[JoSchmooze]

Set up my sppointment with the Russian trainer this
morning after I finished my "self motivated" workout....
Only problem is that the only appointment I could get with this guy is at 6 am on Saturday morning!! Holy Crap!
What have I gotten myself into?
His card reads:

"The Motivator"
"No whiners allowed"......
ANd a website - www.motivator.net (http://www.motivator.net)

On my way to take a look at it before I start working today....

:cowboy:

[girl_dee]

i came to post a link to SparkPeople and i see sylvie mentioned it, i had never heard of it before! i just found it after reading on a forum how many people are not having the same success with the new Point system on Weight Watchers as they were on the old system. i know i am not! (It does kinda make sense in my head that if people are having too much success this affects them financially) .. so anyway i was googling around and love this site! i'm reading up on the SparkTeams and they actually picked out 3 for me that fit me. So while i am deciding whether to keep paying WW each week for a weigh in and a meeting or what to do. It's only been 3 weeks but the up down up down on the scale is a little frustrating especially when you are following the *plan* to the letter. I've got 14 more pounds to go and it is just not moving!


www.sparkpeople.com

[girl_dee]

Set up my sppointment with the Russian trainer this
morning after I finished my "self motivated" workout....
Only problem is that the only appointment I could get with this guy is at 6 am on Saturday morning!! Holy Crap!
What have I gotten myself into?
His card reads:

"The Motivator"
"No whiners allowed"......
ANd a website - www.motivator.net (http://www.motivator.net)

On my way to take a look at it before I start working today....

:cowboy:



oh my!!!! it does however sound like fun (if you are a hardcore massochist) but a very serious trainer!

[girl_dee]

Howdy peeps!! Well vacation is over. Its time to get down to business. Had a great workout this afternoon. Gonna have some chicken breast, and steamed broccoli for dinner.
Y'all are doing great!!!

i love how simple you make things! and in crawfish season too!

[girl_dee]

I haven't been back in a while because I wanted to have something more positive to report and finally I can say, I'm doing better. I worked out four times last week, which is more like my old self. I do half an hour on the elliptical trainer, with more resistance, I always notice, than anyone else around me.

Like many on this thread, I listen to music when I exercise that I wouldn't necessarily listen to outside the gym; a certain kind of 4/4 beat is easier for me to match and keeps me on track to the end of the song, even if my heartbeat goes as high as 156 and I'm breathing hard. (I have perfect blood pressure and don't worry about it. In fact the exertion gets me kind of "high.")

I think I mentioned, I went from a size 6 to a 10 recently; now I'm about an 8, which might be a good place for me.

I finished physical therapy for my shoulder and have good mobility, so I'm about to return to the upper body weight training I always used to do, and I'm eating more protein, like turkey cold cuts, or canned chicken mixed in with chopped salad and ginger dressing—I know that sounds weird but they were preparing it and giving out tastings in Trader Joe's and I really liked it, so I got the ingredients and now I take it for lunch.

Okay the kid just got back from the park so I feel like I can leave the house and go to the gym. Everyone have a healthy day!!!


i LOVE ginger, can you share the recipe for the dressing? i used to have a Ginger wasabi finishing sauce for the grill, it was delish!

[justkim]

Hello everyone... Made it through my cancer testing with flying colors... I have been told I must get more fiber in my daily food intake... I will see what I can do about that... Now it is time to get back on track even though I have managed to keep my weight stable with all that has been going on I still feel off.
If anyone has suggestion on how to introduce more fiber into my daily food intake I would appreciate them.
Ok. Time to go and lay back down... my guts are still rather sensitive...
Keep up all the good work everyone!

[sylvie]

*wonders if pacing floors waiting for 16 year old daughter to come home, when she should have been LONG ago counts as exercise*

:o

if not, i am yanking my hair occasionally in frustration, THAT's gotta count?

:)

[girl_dee]

Hello everyone... Made it through my cancer testing with flying colors... I have been told I must get more fiber in my daily food intake... I will see what I can do about that... Now it is time to get back on track even though I have managed to keep my weight stable with all that has been going on I still feel off.
If anyone has suggestion on how to introduce more fiber into my daily food intake I would appreciate them.
Ok. Time to go and lay back down... my guts are still rather sensitive...
Keep up all the good work everyone!

i've been loving my Steel Cut Oats, they have a ton of fiber, add some ground flax seed and thats a ton of fiber without the boxes stuff.

i wish i could send you some of my home made red beans and rice!

[JustJo]

Fiber is definitely your friend.

Raw veggies, lightly steamed veggies, raw whole fruit (including the peels), sweet potatoes....and we swear by Benefiber, which stirs in to beverages without even being detectable (except carbonated stuff....but that stuff is bad anyway).

[Hollylane]

Good morning healthies :)

I had to order a prescription refill (for the diabetes) this morning and, while I was on the website, thought I'd check something out.

Here's a little bonus I received for working on getting healthier...purely in dollars and cents:


2010 - total cost I paid for prescriptions was $3,212.29
2011 - total cost I paid for prescriptions was $1,331.63
2012 - anticipated total cost I will pay for prescriptions is $401.52


That means I paid myself $1,880.66 in 2011.....and will pay myself $2,810.77 this year....instead of putting it in the pockets of the drug companies.

And....cuz I love math....if I had stayed on the 2010 figures, my outlay for meds over the next 25 years (to age 75) would have been $80,307.25.....at the current level, my cost to the same point will be $10,038.....a savings of $70,269.35 :blink:

Sheesh...My savings, if I chose to calculate them but I won't because I do not like The Math, must be astronomical. Wow. Thank you for putting that into perspective Jo!

Actually...if you had stayed that unhealthy (assuming it's something you can control, which you seem to be saying), there might not have been another 25 years...

And another amazing perspective here...


Set up my sppointment with the Russian trainer this
morning after I finished my "self motivated" workout....
Only problem is that the only appointment I could get with this guy is at 6 am on Saturday morning!! Holy Crap!
What have I gotten myself into?
His card reads:

"The Motivator"
"No whiners allowed"......
ANd a website - www.motivator.net (http://www.motivator.net)

On my way to take a look at it before I start working today....

:cowboy:



Awesome Jo! Congrats! I hope this one works out better for you!


Evening Healthy Ones!

I had another appointment with the Gastro Doc today. Good news, she is delaying another gastric surgery (gastric pacemaker) indefinitely :) She says she likes my numbers, loves the way I look, and can't believe how far I've come. I said, "Me too!"

She gave me a dopamine patch prescription for my trip to visit Gaige on the 18th, so that I don't have to take the sleep inducing anti-nausea drugs with me. That will help me enjoy some nice meals during the trip.

I have been slacking a bit on my workouts, but I have been continuing to walk on my lunches and breaks. Since I don't spend all my time smoking on breaks and lunches anymore, I've had lots of time to get some fast paced walking in. Also, standing at my desk, pacing the call center during long high bill calls, and my hacky sack obsession is keeping me moving. But still, I do need to get back to working harder at making time for workouts.

I hope you are all having a nice evening, and I am impressed with everyone's success! :)

[Lady_Di]

For fiber... I happen to really love Oat Bran, which I learned about from exploring the Dukan Diet, which is not a bad diet, per se. I like to make the oat bran as a hot drink in the morning, I like my cereals savory, versus sweet, so I add some Real Salt and lots of boiling purified water. I suppose it is like a gruel, but I like it. In fact I love the taste, which surprised the heck out of me. I thought I would hate it, as I do not like mushy oatmeal one darned bit. Though I have forced myself to consume it on more than one occasion. Though I agree with the Steel Cuts oats suggestion from Cajun Dee, you could also make it savory with other additions, or go the sweet route, or basic plain. You are only limited by your imagination and taste buds. Oprah's chef enjoys his oatmeal made like risotto, with parmesean cheese. Why not, if there can be cheesy grits... Obviously you could create a oatmeal cookie or some such, a home made granola that is helpful, not full of refined anything.

I like to remember my mantra, I have never met a veggie I did not like. And it is true. I try to find new ones and explore tastes, ways to consume them, cooked or raw. One smart idea is to add pureed veggies in unexpected places. All veggies have a significant amount of fiber and little fat, and what fat it is, is good fat. From pumpkin, to califlower, the list is endless. Jerry Seinfeld's wife wrote a book how she snuck in veggies to pretty much everything, which greatly increased not only fiber but other nutrients into her family's diet. Smart woman.

Anyhows, just know there are basically two kinds of fiber. Soluble and Insoluble. Both are good and can really help you in many ways. That apple a day is chock full of some lovely fiber, and satiates, fills one up. The Belly Fat Cure I think is the one that suggests an apple a half hour before your lunch, not just to fill your stomach up but for some of the other goodies it gives. I also happen to love dried fruits, especially prunes. I know they have a bad rap, but they are lower on the glycemic index than many others. I dry them out to make them super chewy. The harder the better. Though my grandparents used to stew them and make them soft and keep them in the fridge. They are also good to cook and puree and use instead of butter/sugar say in a brownie. Prunes... My grandpa was wise - Once you have had a bowel obstruction, you too might make them part of your daily diet, lol.

Back to fiber though, when you eat say rice, make it a brown rice which keeps the fiber intact. There are some wonderful ones now on the market, like Jasmine Brown Rice. Very fragrant and lovely.

Whole wheat, versus white refined wheat. The point is you have to read the ingredient list. The least refined, and hence the highest fiber products often times have a single ingredient list or not ingredient list at all, like carrots. Or say beans. Pinto Beans. lol... Love your veggies, they all have fiber. Some more than others. Leave the skin on for an extra punch of fiber and nutrients.

Some of the Swedish flat breads are 100% whole grain and very crispy, no sugars or additives at all. Those Swedes are smart. Like Rye Crisps, there 100's of choices, keep trying em til you find one or two you like. Whole grain crackers are a good choice with say an unrefined nut butter. Or cheese if you like it, a protein topper of some sort, like hummus. Beans btw, have the soluble fiber and are very good nutritionally. And I concur, the Flax Seed is one of the best, you can add it to all sorts of things. They pop if you eat them whole, makes you have to chew them to get any benefit, which is a good thing, as we tend to not chew long enough... most of us. Chia seeds too, hemp seeds... the list goes on.

Good to see some folks discussing Spark People, besides me! The fellow that started this website is beyond awe inspiring. He is simply amazing. His book, The Spark: The 28 Day Breakthrough Plan for Losing Weight, Getting Fit, and Transforming Your Life, which I keep referring to can change your life, seriously. I believe in spreading the Spark. Passing it along. Because it works to develop a community that is on the same path as you are.

Amazon.com: The Spark: The 28-Day Breakthrough Plan for Losing Weight, Getting Fit, and Transforming Your Life (9781401926465): Chris Downie: Books

***and yes, by getting the book, you get to add to your points! Reading it is a wonderful investment in you though, a gift that will keep on giving***

Chris Downie has so much insight to his own journey on this path less traveled. I love his examples from his own life, from his vision board to his real life examples that are doable long term for the rest of your life. I mean who can't do some activity for 10 min? Anything over 10 min he says is extra credit for him, for the way he thinks and frames things. I love that concept, because it allows you to be successful and consistent, rather than beating our selves up for not being perfect and pushing ourselves to the limits each and everyday. We really can move for 10 min a day, even if you are laid up with a total knee replacement, as I am right now.

He is all about lifestyle changes that are sustainable. Permanent change. Tools that can be used by anyone, adapted to whatever you may be doing. Though if you use the suggested diet based on your own stats, you will succeed. Like WW, there is no illegal food, per se. That diet is just not for me, because I know what sugar does to me and I know what it does to us all on a cellular level. I am extremely carb sensitive and I know it. But there is room for all kinds here, there is no judgement.

I also respect and absolutely love anyone that willingly offers up 5 million of his own hard earned dollars to give this gift to us all. He has created something very very special. And the experts that have jumped on board to help with this site are amazing. The motivational expert, a shrink that has been very educational for me. The coach, Nicole. Wow, her suggestions and video work outs are easy to follow and do right there in your own home. I have learned a lot from the videos there about things such as correct form in lifting weights, to Pliates.

I love that it is free. It is about being accountable to one's own self and developing support system for whatever you may be centering on. There are even a lot of WW folks there. Tons of different teams you can join. Feel free to friend me there, I am dianegloria there. And please come on over to the Butch Femme group over at Spark People that Dressy Femme started a while back. We need more active folks. Me included. I know I need to get back into the Spark People saddle. They make it so dang easy and you can do as little or as much as you want. But I found that wanting to get the points for the bonus spin was sort of fun. The gamer in me enjoyed the challenge. And the whole point is suiting up and showing up. Tracking the food, the nutrition is a dang good start and wake up call for any of us. Then the exercise tracking, very informative. Reality wake up call, I call it.


One of my friends there posted this in their blog post, after she first described how her husband who is 130 pounds for the last 20 years, went on a cruise with her. And ate plate after plate, piled as high as he could. Ate constantly the whole 8 days, and did not gain an oz. She however who ate sensibly gained 2 lbs. Metabolism plays a part, genetics. Nature vs nuture, both count. But some of us have a much harder road to hoe.

http://www.fathead-movie.com/index.php/2012/04/16/why-thin-people-arent-fat/

I loved the debate it ignited afterward. In my opinion, not all calories are created equal! But dang some people are stubborn as all get out!!!

Then I was aghast at this insanity about a blogger in trouble from the dieticians in NC

http://www.fathead-movie.com/index.php/2012/04/26/dietitians-go-after-a-blogger/

People really do not understand Paleo and love to attack what they do not understand. Even though, it is commonly understood in medical circles that some high fat diets can actually cure some diseases, there is an epic case study about a hospital dietician who utilized a very high fat diet in a child who had uncontrollable seizures, I think was the disease process. I know it was neurological, having to do directly with myelin sheathes, which are comprised mostly of fats. When the myelin sheath is upset or break down, all sorts of bad things can occur.

anyhows, those links have on the side bar a ton of links to many sites that help explain Paleo and why low carb works on many levels. I know too many folks that have essentially cured their diabetes by eating like their ancestors did centuries ago, when sugar was a rare commodity that only the rich enjoyed regularly.

I like to think of what a caveman was able to eat, what he could pick, what he could kill. It was obviously all organic, grass fed. Nothing was processed or refined. And for those that say the cavemen died at around 30 years old, it was not from diet. Anyhows, I know it is not for everyone. But it works for me.

Now to get back into the habit of checking in, getting those silly points. I like goals, that is something I realize when I was going for the Dr. Oz Transformation Challenge, which I succeeded at, btw. Today I started with a summer challenge over on Spark People, and the competitive part of me wants to kick some ass.

Sorry to meander and babble on, blame it on the narcotics, which I am sooooo not used to taking. But they are better than the pain!

[justkim]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I do love my veggies, I think I just need to increase them. I also make a mean turkey chili using black beans so I have the bean part down as I love my chili.
Dee, please I would love your red beans and rice... I know anybody can make it but your red beans and rice were my first... that has set the bar rather high...
To everyone else... keep up the great work you are all doing...

[Lady_Di]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I do love my veggies, I think I just need to increase them. I also make a mean turkey chili using black beans so I have the bean part down as I love my chili.
Dee, please I would love your red beans and rice... I know anybody can make it but your red beans and rice were my first... that has set the bar rather high...
To everyone else... keep up the great work you are all doing...

Would love to see your recipe for turkey chile! Red chile, right? Oh yeah, I see it is chili, with an 'i'. That is always red, right? I adore chile or chili, every incarnation I have found of the stuff. Yummmy and really good eats.

I am from New Mexico and we do chile two ways, red or green. Or you can get it Christmas, both red and green, half and half. I love seeing a huevos rancheros half the plate with some awesome red chile sauce and the other half a killer Hatch green chile sauce.

Another delicious NM green chile dish is calabacitas. Yummmy and full of fiber, very low calorie and huge on flavour. Also is cheap eats. Who does not have a glut of squash every year, or know someone who's garden runneth over with zucchini and the like. Which reminds me, time to plant some zucchini and yellow squashes!

http://www.adobenido.com/blog/2010/new-mexico/new-mexico-style-calabacita-recipe-muy-bueno/

I have never added the cheese as they do in this basic recipe. But this recipe is pretty basic and easy to tweek. I know my brother and sister-in-law for Christmas this year added a granny smith apple to the calabacitas and omg, it was fabulous. They said they used whatever it was they had around. Basically what you taste is veggie heaven and the Hatch Green Chile, which is the flavour of home to me.

Now I am hungry! Time to make something yummmy...

[Lady_Di]

Fiber is definitely your friend.

Raw veggies, lightly steamed veggies, raw whole fruit (including the peels), sweet potatoes....and we swear by Benefiber, which stirs in to beverages without even being detectable (except carbonated stuff....but that stuff is bad anyway).

Just a flash thought about the benefiber and other soluble fibers...

Cinnamon.

I did an experiment a few years back after we had been advising diabetics to get cinnamon into their diets everyday. I was curious as to why. Turns out it is a soluble fiber. *probably some other things in it as well, that help lower and stablize blood sugars*

Just put like a teaspoon of cinnamon into a cup of coffee, for example. If you forget about your cup for a while and forget to stir it, you will find it has gelled up on the bottle of your cup. That is what soluble fiber does, it is why oatmeal gets that gelatinous quality to it. Amazing stuff this fiber.

Just do it.

[thedivahrrrself]

Down 6 pounds from last week!

[starryeyes]

Well, I have been on track and lost 6lbs last week. I know most of it is the result of not eating junk and my bloat going away but it feels good to see the scale going the other way! My goal is to lose 20lbs before the reunion. That's less than 5lbs a month and totally attainable! I wanna wear a hot dress to the prom with Justin so that's my motivation! Ya :-D

[Cowboi]

Put in a 12 hour day today, and I am ready to relax and watch some tv.
Gonna have a salad for supper , wash it down with some H2O with some green apple flavored BCAA's mixed in. I will have a chocolate peanut butter casein shake before bed.
Hope that everybody had a great hump day!!!!

[deedarino]

I thought I was doing so terrible but after looking at a back post, I have lost another 10lbs in the last month!

Talkin of chili, I usually keep a pot of it going at all times. I use black beans, and throw in whatever veggies I have. I have come to really love carrots, celery, bells, onions, green chilis, etc. in my chili. It is my go to food when I am feeling extra hungry.

[JAGG]

I am proud to report that TheDivaHerself has lost 6 lbs so far! Yeah Diva! She has really been doing everything it takes to change bad habits with good ones. She is motivated and I hope every week whether she loses weight or not she keeps her motivation. And I know she will stick to her workouts while I am gone. When I get back from vacation Iwill have some special workouts in store for her poor fragile blistered feet. Lol

[Leigh]

Gooooooooooood morning healthies,

I wanted to come in and say that I am very impressed with how everyone is doing so well ~ we all kick ass! I have been using SparkPeople for about two months now pretty religiously and its been helping me alot. From blogging about my experiences with weight loss to tracking what I eat everyday, its been a big help to me and its showing. Last time I weighed myself I was 345 lbs, that was about a month and a half ago, and now I went to the doctor yesterday where she weighed me ........... I am now down to 330! She even told me that if my blood work I did today comes back and things are on track she may be able to reduce the amount of metformin that I am taking for my diabetes :)

It truly is amazing what taking care of yourself can do, and I am very excited to see where things go in the future! :hk1:

[thedivahrrrself]

I am proud to report that TheDivaHerself has lost 6 lbs so far! Yeah Diva! She has really been doing everything it takes to change bad habits with good ones. She is motivated and I hope every week whether she loses weight or not she keeps her motivation. And I know she will stick to her workouts while I am gone. When I get back from vacation Iwill have some special workouts in store for her poor fragile blistered feet. Lol

Thanks, JAGG, I'll be good with the workouts until it turns about 100 degrees out there, then I may have to start waking up at 4am or something!!

I love getting outside in this weather. The food is harder, but now I've been taught the African Guilt Trip method, hopefully bad food will be easier to resist! LOL

[JAGG]

I live by 'if it wasn't around 200 years ago, don't eat it'

I like that Liem. I live by "if it tastes like crap don't eat it. Life is too short to eat food you don't like." Ha just joking... Sort of. :)

[Ginger]

i LOVE ginger, can you share the recipe for the dressing? i used to have a Ginger wasabi finishing sauce for the grill, it was delish!



Actually it's just ginger dressing in a jar! That I got at Trader Joe's. I'll look at the label tonight. It's really good—but there are a lot of products like that in jars. I don't know how to make it from scratch! :blink:

[Ginger]

Absolutely true...one of the "inspirations" for me to get healthier was being aware of the horrible death experienced by my aunt from diabetic complications in her late 50s, and the knowledge that, of my father's 8 siblings, only one has made it past age 60.

Heart disease and diabetes has decimated my family....and they have participated in generating their own health problems through the way they eat and (don't) exercise.

My father was 45 when he died, and I am 50.

For me, this journey isn't about the number on the scale or the size pants I wear (although those are fun things to see improving :) )....it is purely and simply about staying alive and healthy enough to see my son grow up and, hopefully, to enjoy a long retirement and eventual grandchildren.

I honestly don't give a crap about society's messages that "thin is beautiful" and that you can't wear more than a size 8 and be desirable. I do care a great deal about keeping my vision, and my feet, and living long enough to enjoy the non-working part of my life.

I'm fortunate that my diabetes was caught early enough to be treated with oral meds....so I am not insulin-dependent....and I have never been a "fragile" diabetic. My doctor describes me as a "sturdy diabetic"....and that works for me. My genetics pretty much guarantee that my diabetes isn't going anywhere....but if I can control it with metformin, improved eating habits and regular exercise....then I can live with that.


You are really doing a great job, it sounds like. Plus with each generation there are more ways to manage diabetes and live healthily with it. My nephew is diabetic and I learned about it through feeding him. He started givign himself the injections at around 12. I admire your attitude!!!!!

[Gemme]

11 Ways to Achieve a Healthier Life

If I were to boil down all of the lessons I've learned in my career into one statement it'd be this: Always be the student.

The game of health is one that you can easily win, as long as you're willing to learn, accept that multiple approaches to fitness and nutrition work, and that trends and opinions can change. Some people interpret this as hypocritical--I consider it a realistic and sustainable approach to living a better life. As a new month descends upon us, I want to make the smartest experts more available to you. So I reached out to the best doctors, nutritionists, and strength coaches in the industry--the real heroes of health and fitness--and had them compile their favorite life lessons. Grab your notebook because the best health course ever created is officially in session.



Zoe Harcombe, The Obestity Fighter
I'll keep this simple: If nature provides it, eat it. If man made it, don’t go near it. Real food is what we evolved to eat. Man-made food is the major cause of man-made illness (obesity, heart disease and more). Unless you want to be fat and sick you need to trust Mother Nature not Ronald McDonald! Here's how to do it: Base your meals on: meat, eggs and dairy foods from grass living animals; fish; quality (non-GM, non-pesticide) vegetables & salads; nuts & seeds and local fruits in season. Treats can include at least 70% cocoa dark chocolate (ideally 85-90%+), red wine and cream, but what are steak and pork crackling if not treats?! If active and slim, brown rice, cous cous and other non-wheat whole grains can be an enjoyable part of one’s diet (modern wheat has mutated too far to be of benefit to any human). If you’ve got weight to lose you need to give your body the chance to burn that fat and that can’t happen if you keep putting fuel (carbohydrates) in the tank.

Jim Smith, The Life Changer
The fitness industry is very unique. It has a staggering failure rate, yet still grosses billions of dollars per year. So why aren't people reaching their goals when they are clearly spending their hard-earned money to support every new fitness fad that hits the market? Achieving your fitness goals and the getting the body you want doesn't have anything to do with the latest fancy gadgets or today's most popular workout routine - it all depends on YOU. Our daily lives are filled with negativity from going to a job we don't like, allowing negative people into our circle of friends and from trying to escape our past. These roadblocks and self-imposed self-doubt can many times prevent us from achieving any goal we set for ourselves in and out of the gym – and from living the life of our dreams.

If you ever want to achieve great things in your life, you must first start with belief in yourself. This small spark can turn into a raging fire that can burn down the bridges to your past and help you eliminate the obstacles that you face every day. Once you have this belief, you will become unstoppable if you also take action. Focus on small progress every day and live every moment - and don't fear failure. You don't have to be perfect, just persistent. Realize that every second that you are not taking action is another day living the life you so desperately want to change.

Alan Aragon, The Food Realist
I've designed thousands of diets in my life, and here's something I know that works: Flexibility. I give myself anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of my calories to come from whatever foods I want. This can be daily or weekly, depending on my preference at the time. This accomplishes 3 main things. First off, it reminds me to predominate my diet (80-90%) with whole and minimally processed foods. Secondly, it allows for indulgence foods such as sugary desserts or fried dishes to be consumed in a controlled manner; in moderation. Thirdly, it allows me to feel free and more experimental with the foods I bring into dietary rotation. Trying new things – regardless of their supposed “junkiness” – can end up contributing to the spectrum of nutrients consumed. Collectively, this “discretionary” calorie allotment allows me to enjoy eating in all situations (social & other), while maintaining a healthy diet overall.

John Romaniello, Captain Obvious
Take time to figure out the YOU diet. Popular diets like those recommended on LIVESTRONG.COM are great, but everything is better with customization. More importantly, not everything works for everybody, and not everyone needs to be completely compliant with a dietary dogma to get results. For example, “primal” eating plans like the Paleo Diet CAN work for anybody but they’re NOT necessary for everybody--a great many people need to eliminate gluten, but many do not. On the opposite side of that coin, many people find a change to a vegan diet helps them lose weight and get healthy, but it’s certainly not written in stone that everyone “needs” to eliminate animal products. Personally, I like intermittent fasting, and use it for my clients, but it’s not a cure-all--some people do better when they eat more regularly.

The best way to ensure that you know exactly what you need to do to make progress is to experiment with periods of elimination: one month, go gluten free; another month, dairy free. Also try different diets: perhaps intermittent fasting one month, carb-backloading the next; within 4 to 5 months, you’ll figure out what works best for you--what you NEED to do to make the fastest progress--and you’ll be able to develop your own customized plan that you can follow for the rest of your life.

Dr. Mark Cheng, Master of Human Performance
With the recent press that high-intensity, hardcore training has been getting, it’s little wonder that we’re seeing more muscular, sexier bodies. Yet with higher output comes greater risk, and when you strengthen the body’s engine, you also need to make sure to check the alignment, lest ye suffer a crippling blowout. The most important areas of alignment, you ask? Posture & breath.

Posture is a fancy word for joint alignment. It doesn’t mean sitting or standing like you’ve suddenly found yourself in the USMC on line for inspection. It means using proper biomechanics CONSTANTLY whether you’re in motion or still. Movement under competitive circumstances may momentarily drive you out of alignment on occasion, but in your training and in your activities of daily life, your joint alignment should be uncompromising. Similarly, your breath should be the picture of relaxation and efficiency. Whether you’re in the gym or in the office, your breathing should be easy, unrestricted, and energizing. The diaphragm is perhaps the most important muscle in respiration, and when it’s not functioning properly, your core is crippled.

So throughout your day, no matter what you’re doing, check your posture, find height to align your spine, relax your limbs and your breathing. These are some of the subtle secrets to achieve strong health and an efficient, durable body.

John Berardi, The Transformation Specialist
At Precision Nutrition we believe in something we call deep health. Deep health doesn't come from a pill or an operation. Deep health comes from a balanced diet of fresh, whole foods. It comes from sufficient exercise combined with genuine rest. It comes from clean air and clean water. And it comes from living with purpose and joy, and using your life as an expression of these things. That's our philosophy of health and fitness. And it's one we're passionate about sharing with as many people as possible.

Kris Carr, Crazy, Sexy Inspiration
Make juice, not war. A nutrient dense, anti-inflammatory green juice is a terrific way to get an instant blast of sustainable energy. Green smoothies are fantastic too. Adding healthy fats like avocado or raw almond butter to your smoothie will help you feel satisfied longer. Here's an idea, reach for a fresh organic vegetable juice or smoothie, instead of your morning cup of java. Your body will thank you!

Make Juice Not War Green Drink
It’s our motto and our morning beverage. This recipe makes almost 32 ounces.
- 2 large cucumbers (peeled if not organic)
- A big fistful of kale and romaine (or spinach, chard etc)
- 4-5 stalks celery
- 1-2 big broccoli stems (adds sweetness)
- 1-2 green apples
- 1/2 lemon
Wash and prep ingredients, put them through your juicer. Cheers!

Martin Rooney, The Warrior Creator
As your day becomes “busier” with each passing year, sleep has become expendable. In fact, I would be bold enough to say that the human species is the only one on the planet that is sleep deprived (just think about how many times you wake a week without an alarm clock). Although many of us understand the effects of a lack of proper exercise and nutrition, I think few of us appreciate the negative physical and mental repercussions due to a lack of sleep. Both the healing of the body and mind occur during sleep, and most of us know we are not getting enough. I, however, take my sleep very seriously. Just as I try to train and eat like a champion athlete, I try to sleep like one as well.

The following are some of my tips for getting a champion’s night sleep: Make sure you have a bedtime routine. I consider this just as important as my dynamic warmup before training or the way that I pmartinrepare my food. To begin my routine, I make sure to hydrate with about 16 ounces of water. Following this, I make sure that the TV, computer, and phone is off, and my blinds are pulled tightly shut to prevent light from leaking in. I keep my room cool at about 68 degrees and check my heart rate each night before I close my eyes to sleep. I finish with deep breathing to calm my mind and clear my thoughts. At that point, I am always out like a light.

Yoni Freedhoff, The Weight Loss Savant
My favorite tip for how to improve any aspect of your health is to ask yourself better questions. Whether you’re setting out to improve your fitness, your diet, your relationships or your mental health, given the dynamic nature of living real lives, your efforts will have both their ups, and their downs.

The most common lines of internal questioning when things aren’t going well go something like this: “What’s wrong with me?”, “What’s my problem?”, “Why
can’t I do X, Y or Z?”, or “Why does this always happen to me?”. Your brain, truly your ever faithful servant, isn’t going to hesitate to answer and without missing a beat, it’ll tell you what’s “wrong with you” - after all, that’s what you’ve asked it to do! “You’re a loser”, “You don’t deserve it”, “You’re weak.” Sugar-coating isn’t our brain's strongest asset.

Do you really think you’re going to be able to build a lifelong change on the basis of repeatedly mentally beating yourself up? I don’t. If you want to build a lifelong change, then you need to build it on the shoulders of pride, because pride provides powerful forward momentum.

So how do you build pride in the face of struggles? You ask your brain two new questions.

The first? “What can I do right now that’s going to help even a little bit?”
And the second, “What can I do today that I can be proud of?”

Your faithful servant will once again provide you with answers, only this time they’ll help build you up, not help tear yourself down. It of course goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyways), once your brain provides you with answers to your new questions, if you want to benefit from them, you need to act on them.

Be constructive, not destructive – life will be much more enjoyable that way.

Eric Cressey, The Sports Specialist
Without a doubt, I’d tell folks to have their vitamin D checked (as part of comprehensive blood work). It has so many implications in terms of both health and performance, whether we’re talking about endocrine implications, immune health, soft tissue quality, or any of a number of other benefits. I always tell folks that you can’t run a race if you don’t know where the starting line is, and that’s what blood testing will give you.

Andy Bellatti, The Food Crusader
One of the best things people can do is get out of the “low-carb” and “low-fat” mentality and instead prioritize “low-processed” foods. Highly processed foods are generally low in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and offer refined grains, unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and chemical ingredients that don’t do our bodies any favors.

I always encourage people to eat real food. An avocado is a high-fat food, and a pear is not low-carb, but they are whole foods that confer a multitude of health benefits. Those two foods will always surpass a low-fat and low-sugar “energy bar” made with artificial sweeteners.”

Jason Ferruggia, The Renegade
I specialize in helping skinny guys gain size and strength. One thing that is probably the biggest thing holding these guys back is their never ending worrying. They over-think and over-analyze everything, much to their detriment. They obsessively count calories and change their diets and workouts every week, then they wonder if they are overtraining or not doing enough. They second guess EVERYTHING.

This type of constant worrying is hurtful in so many ways--regardless of your goal. First, you never get anywhere. If you always second guess what you’re doing and don’t believe in it you will never make progress. NEVER. Do you think Arnold or Dorian Yates or Walter Payton or Michael Jordan lived with constant worrying and doubt? Of course not. They went to the gym or field every day and worked their asses off with complete confidence that they were doing exactly what it took to be the best. They weren’t switching up their workouts or their shooting or running style each week.

When you lean to worry less about things like this you can actually start to enjoy your training and your life. For too many people today, training is a source of stress more than a stress relief. Stop over thinking it and learn to enjoy the process.

Of course, just telling someone not to worry isn’t enough. If only it were that easy. Learning to worry less is a skill. And like any skill you want to master it must be practiced religiously. This is no different than learning to play the guitar or perform the Olympic lifts. You need to read books like “F*ck It” and anything by Leo Babauta. Associate yourself with people who have already mastered this skill. And look to guys who seem physically incapable of worrying or hearing negativity of any kind, like Donald Trump and Magic Johnson.

Assign a reward and punishment to your behaviors. Let others know what your goal is and then whenever they hear you expressing these negative thoughts they are to call you on it.

Eventually this will improve just like any other skill you constantly practice. And when it does you will be leaner, stronger, healthier, happier and more successful.

-Adam Bornstein

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/blog/11-ways-to-achieve-a-healthier-life#ixzz1tr6LMrfu

[Cowboi]

Hooorah!!!!! My Marine is kickin some major butt!!! Had a great workout today. I think we are about to turn up the heat! LoL

Had some grilled catfish, veggies, and iced tea for dinner, sittin out watching the sunset on da bayou.
Life is good!!! Hope y'all had a great day!! Its almost friday.....

[Leigh]

glad to have my laptop back up and running :)

[thedivahrrrself]

OMG the people at work are trying to kill me!!! I walked into the breakroom this afternoon to fix my lunch, and there are muffins. Not just any muffins, but gourmet, giant, delicious-looking CHOCOLATE muffins! With icing! ARG! I stared for a while and then made the choice to eat my turkey sandwich instead.

I go back for dinner later that evening, and open the freezer to grab a Lean Cuisine. The whole effing freezer is full of ICE CREAM! Ice cream sandwiches, those little chocolate lined cone thingies, fruit dream bars, every type of ice cream imaginable. I guess they had some sort of birthday party or something in one of the departments.

FML. I warmed up my frozen dinner and pouted for a few minutes, but I'm glad I made the right choices.

[thedivahrrrself]

They brought freakin' PIES today!! They're killing me with this crap!

Instead of pie, I will have applesauce. ugh.

[Thinker]

Another 1/4 inch. Too slowwwwww.

I'm gonna have to get some cardio goin'.

[Novelafemme]

Where's my Foxy Zumba buddy??

I'm hitting today's 4:30 class...you with me? ;)

[foxyshaman]

Hey Sexy Just Graduated Funky Zumba Femme Crush....

I hit Zumba Monday and Thursday... but I will go with ya today. I am so totally sore that this would be THE BESTEST EVER THING FOR ME!!! And then you will have to come to yoga with me. And you and I can giggle at our sore asses *trying* to get into down dog. But you would have been proud of me, or disgusted with me, when I did the splits in gay yoga wednesday.

And this little reply is a LONG TIME COMING... but you sent that super funny zumba video with the little lady in the back row (you compared yourself to her) and I was wondering... if she knew she would be watched over 2 MILLION times would she have gone to zumba that day!! Makes me laugh every time I think of it!!!


So... sexy just graduated funky zumba sexy as hell femme crush... shall I swing by and pick you up, or just smile knowingly in class at you?? :sunglass:

[Novelafemme]

How 'bout *I* scoop *you* up and then we sit on opposite ends of the room and try not to bump booty's during class! ;) :sunglass:

And FYI...my arms are STILL sore from Wednesday's yoga class!!!

[foxyshaman]

How 'bout *I* scoop *you* up and then we sit on opposite ends of the room and try not to bump booty's during class! ;) :sunglass:

And FYI...my arms are STILL sore from Wednesday's yoga class!!!

Ahhh (kicking dirt) But I LIKE BUMPING BOOTIES with you. :canadian:

Glad to hear I am NOT the only one with sore arms from Wednesday's class. :praying: Good grief. And then we had to hold the warrior one for 2 min. WTF???

[Novelafemme]

Ahhh (kicking dirt) But I LIKE BUMPING BOOTIES with you. :canadian:

Glad to hear I am NOT the only one with sore arms from Wednesday's class. :praying: Good grief. And then we had to hold the warrior one for 2 min. WTF???

Same here!!! OMG, were we in the same class??? :seeingstars:

W1 (and many other standing asanas) seem relatively simple until you have to hold them for forever and a day. That's when I start trembling from head to toe! :praying:

[JoSchmooze]

Well, I got nuttin today....
Tomorrow I train with the Russian for the first time...

Everybody keep on truckin!!

:cowboy:

[Leigh]

I'm actually pretty impressed with myself that I haven't needed the gym to lose these 15 lbs that I've lost but I'll be back there in a few days to stay on track :)

[foxyshaman]

Same here!!! OMG, were we in the same class??? :seeingstars:

W1 (and many other standing asanas) seem relatively simple until you have to hold them for forever and a day. That's when I start trembling from head to toe! :praying:

I didn't see you there!! I should have looked. Bad Fox. I do a weight lifting class an hour before wednesday yoga... so there are times my thighs are back talking me worse than a bad mouthed four year old!! Like Seriously.

[Cowboi]

Good Morning my friends!!! I am up and enjoying a oat pancake, and good ol community coffee.
Its been a good week. I have lost a couple of pounds,
had some intense workouts. I think I am getting back on track.

This is the 1st weekend I have been at home in 3 weeks, so I am happy.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!!

[Cowboi]

Well, I got nuttin today....
Tomorrow I train with the Russian for the first time...

Everybody keep on truckin!!

:cowboy:







Hang tough Unka Jo!!!! Have a great weekend!!

[girl_dee]

Staying on track but i don't feel like anything is moving, i'm hanging in there though!

[JoSchmooze]

And so....the Russian and I had a session at the ungodly
hour of 6 am yesterday morning......
I feel like I could use my hamstrings for guitar strings....
But he also spent a good 45 minutes debunking the
hCG diet - telling me that I was starving myself.....

*shaking head*......I dunno what to do now, but I did
buy some almond milk yesterday and will probably get
some protein powder for shakes later today.....

All I do know is that every pair of pants I own are too big for me now and
I am wearing shirts
that I thought I would never wear again.....
And that I am sooooooooooo close to being "20-something......

To everyone, keep on trucking!
You all are an inspiration to me in your
dedication and diligence in bettering your lives....

:cowboy:

[Leigh]

I love reading how everyone is changing their lives for the better ~ I'm proud to be part of this group of people who are so inspirational and open and honest :)

[Rockinonahigh]

Hello and goodmorning to u all.Its a lazy cloudy day hear in Louisiana so far today I have had my Sunday onece a week breakfast of bacon/eggs.whole wheat toast,the rest of the time I have a liter less high calorie meal meal.Yester day I played ball with the fur kids till I culdnt draw breath..those crazy nuts love to play theire verson of soccor tha will keep me on the run playing the other team against both the fur kids and they play hard.Then after I could breath again I did 30 hard minits on my mini gym on the patio,weights included.Today will be a fairly easy day because tomorrow im competeing in the senior olympics pool tournament so I just want to stay loose amd comfy so nothing will hurt at 9:00am in the morning.Anyway this ought to be intresting to see how this comes out.Take care u all and have a great Sunday.

[Cowboi]

Allllllrighty then. The Marine kicked my arse today!!! I know its been a good workout when I am about to puke.
Gonna have some chicken and broccoli for dinner, and lots of H2O.

Looks like its gonna be thursday before I have new A/C installed.
maybe I will seat off some pounds...LoL

Hope that everyone had a good Monday!!!

[girl_dee]

Between the Marine and the Russian you guys are doing so great!!!!

As for me, well, i had a small piece of my birthday cake but i walked a ton today and hopefully being good the rest of the day will pay off at weigh in tomorrow!!

Plus i drank a TON of water!!! Yes ME...

[girl_dee]

And so....the Russian and I had a session at the ungodly
hour of 6 am yesterday morning......
I feel like I could use my hamstrings for guitar strings....
But he also spent a good 45 minutes debunking the
hCG diet - telling me that I was starving myself.....

*shaking head*......I dunno what to do now, but I did
buy some almond milk yesterday and will probably get
some protein powder for shakes later today.....

All I do know is that every pair of pants I own are too big for me now and
I am wearing shirts
that I thought I would never wear again.....
And that I am sooooooooooo close to being "20-something......

To everyone, keep on trucking!
You all are an inspiration to me in your
dedication and diligence in bettering your lives....

:cowboy:

Jo, that is amazing. CONGRATUFUCKINLATIONS, it is not easy and you are doing it... it must feel amazing to have your clothes falling off !! :|

i too was told i was eating too little a while back... i was sitting at 1000 calories a day. i am doing WW now and not happy that i really don't know how many calories i'm having and tracking points and calories is just too much tracking.

i was good all week so we will see tomorrow.

[Rockinonahigh]

This may not be the best place to put this but I posted about me being in the senor Olympics pool tournament today.I did play,won a silver medal,it took the reining champion to win it.We both have desided to go to state and compeat there.
I just know I need to really get on the wagone and shed more chub.I had to go up 3 flights of staires wich near killed me,then my asthma hit in the 90* room ( no a.c.)I managed.I played.I did well,was and is good.

[Soon]

This video is about so much more than weight loss, but I thought I'd post it here for inspiration and to show the power of the human spirit:

http://www.viddler.com/v/9e8ceec7

[girl_dee]

This may not be the best place to put this but I posted about me being in the senor Olympics pool tournament today.I did play,won a silver medal,it took the reining champion to win it.We both have desided to go to state and compeat there.
I just know I need to really get on the wagone and shed more chub.I had to go up 3 flights of staires wich near killed me,then my asthma hit in the 90* room ( no a.c.)I managed.I played.I did well,was and is good.

yup asthma is my struggle, so i feel your pain,

CONGRATS on your medal!!!!

Very inspiring Rockin..........

[girl_dee]

This video is about so much more than weight loss, but I thought I'd post it here for inspiration and to show the power of the human spirit:

http://www.viddler.com/v/9e8ceec7

Inspiring indeed, thank you! :bunchflowers:

[JoSchmooze]

This video is about so much more than weight loss, but I thought I'd post it here for inspiration and to show the power of the human spirit:

http://www.viddler.com/v/9e8ceec7

Now that is an incredible testimonial
to the human spirit!
I will take this in my heart and head as I continue my
journey. Thanks!!

:cowboy:

[Rockinonahigh]

yup asthma is my struggle, so i feel your pain,

CONGRATS on your medal!!!!

Very inspiring Rockin..........

Thanks Dee,I had taken so many hits off my inhaler my hands were shakeing,it took a bit to get a second to make a shot but I did most of the time.
There were several older folks who,if I hadnt brought a small insulated bag of ice water bottles would have been in a fix cause they didnt have any refreshments at all past coffee,I defanitely share the water to any one who needed it...i'm glad they had paper cups at least.The people who put this event on ask if I would be willing to head it up for next year and I said I would.You can bet it will be in a pool hall with lots of refreshments to the people who want it and no stairs.

[JoSchmooze]

My human spirit is sagging here this
afternoon.....
I ache in places I didn't know I have places to ache!
Al the Russian just called me and said he
expected me to be in tomorrow morning at 6 am.....
Crap!! Why did I give that man my number???

But I do have to report that almond milk really tastes good to
me.....I am waffling between the Russian's diet and the hCG diet
requirements. He makes sense to me....the doctor also makes sense to me......
Confusion reigns in my life this afternoon......

:mohawk:

[girl_dee]

i love the Almond Chocolate milk!

[justkim]

I LOVE the chocolate Almond milk too! It is beyond yummy...




i love the Almond Chocolate milk!

[JustJo]

This video is about so much more than weight loss, but I thought I'd post it here for inspiration and to show the power of the human spirit:

http://www.viddler.com/v/9e8ceec7

I love this amazing video....and my favorite part, beyond his smile near the end, is the line "I fell many times.....but I got back up."

That's what it's all about...getting back up, continuing to do the work, and never giving up.

:rrose:

[Novelafemme]

I love this amazing video....and my favorite part, beyond his smile near the end, is the line "I fell many times.....but I got back up."

That's what it's all about...getting back up, continuing to do the work, and never giving up.

:rrose:


I was just wondering what was going to make me cry first thing this morning!! That was beautiful, Jo and HSIN. Thank you for sharing!

[JoSchmooze]

The perfect analogy for weight loss just hit
this morning.....
I stopped at the grocery store this morning on the way
home from the gym. I got a few veggies, and some kitty
litter...in the 20 lb box.......LIGHT BULB!

I have lost a little less than 2.5 boxes of kitty litter
since Feb 2!

Keep on trucking y'all.....
Keep on getting right back up if you fall......

:cowboy:

[PinkieLee]

I love measuring weight loss in everyday items. I've always used 5 pound sacks of potatoes as a good judge. When I start feeling down that I've only lost 30 pounds, I make myself try to pick up SIX bags at one time :) Talk about putting things into perspective!

I know it's been awhile since I've posted in here, but I have been keeping up with all your progress & accomplishments every single day. Sometimes I don't feel as though I have much to report back to y'all. We are still trying to get things organized with the new house and trying to get back to some kind of normalcy after D's mom's death. But, we are making healthy eating choices & trying to move our bodies more... so no gains are happening. For right now, I'll take the standstill over a gain anyday.

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for posting every day and continuing to be motivation and encouragement to everyone! Y'all rock and I'm so very proud of y'all :) Even though we are all at different points in our healthy living journey, I love the fact that we can inspire one another without shaming or comparing our losses with anyone elses.

[Medusa]

It's been a while for me too!

I have my ups and downs - literally - seeming that I lose and gain the same 4 pounds over and over for the last few months. This is mostly because I completely stopped tracking my food and started going out to eat again with reckless abandon.

I had to do a checkin with myself after the big Austin party because we were talking about Reunion and I remembered that I had set a goal for myself to be in a certain dress by then. I really want to make that goal, not only because it will mean another 30 pounds lost but because I am REALLY cheap and want to be able to do Reunion without having to buy anything.

I am back in the gym too and loving it. The other night I did 45 solid minutes on the treadmill ( I call him "treddy") and a shitload of reps on the arms and back.

I tend to do a bunch of leg-involved cardio and then hit the weight rack for my arms. My thighs seem to be getting smaller but I can't WAIT for my "pouch" to start slimming down, it's the main inhibitor to a smaller size right now!

WEE for everyone in the thread!

[diamondrose]

Since we are in the "its been a while" moment.. I thought I'd fall in with my update.. since its been some time since I have posted anything.

Last year, just after the reunion I moved and it was diffcult to stay on track with things. Prior to moving, alot of my exercise was riding my bike to and from school 4 days a week. It was an easy way to fit exercising into my already busy schedule. Since I moved, I live to far to ride my bike to school and totally fell off the exercise wagon. Also, I totally put counting daily intake into the non-priority box of my mind. Although I haven't gained any weight, I am still where I have been since the reunion last year. Now that school has let up with just a single class left, I am determined to get back on track with losing another 30 lbs. I did a five mile work out today and have been eating right/watching my intake.

The final challenge of my determination is when I am with my girlfriend.. girl can eat which is bad for me, because I love to eat also! We are going on vacation this week and I will not let myself down!! I am making it my goal to have nothing but good to report back to y'all !! :cheerleader:

[thedivahrrrself]

only down 2 pounds this week.

Not happy with myself right now. :(

[PinkieLee]

only down 2 pounds this week.

Not happy with myself right now. :(

DO NOT get discouraged! Next week you'll probably pull a 5 pound loss.... that's the way our bodies like to play games with us.

[thedivahrrrself]

I'm mad because I made a couple of dumb choices over the weekend... I think stepping up the exercise has made me extra hungry, and I need to learn to deal with that differently!

[JustJo]

only down 2 pounds this week.

Not happy with myself right now. :(

I know it's frustrating when you've been having bigger losses....but remember that 1 - 2 lbs a week is considered good, sustainable progress. You did good!

I'm mad because I made a couple of dumb choices over the weekend... I think stepping up the exercise has made me extra hungry, and I need to learn to deal with that differently!

And stepping up the exercise builds muscle....which weighs more inch for inch than fat does.

I still check the scale, but I can tell I'm building muscle and things are rearranging. Have you measured yourself lately? How are the clothes fitting?

[Rockinonahigh]

Boy oh boy..I have spent the last 45 minits dealing with the medicare/Humana office getting my silver sneakers gym stuff fixed so I could go work out.Medacare said it would come with the plan but no it didnt I had to change my program to get it but I now have everything worked out includeing meds as well as co pays and such.Anyone who is fixing to get into medacare or any plan make shure you talke to the right people or you will be in a fix..im glad I finaly got it right so starting june 1 I can start back in the gym,so glad to hear that.I ended up going on the Humana Gold plan if anyone is intrested.

[Cowboi]

Happy Hump Day to all!!!! Hope it was a Great One!!!

Dang are my legs sore today!!! I walk like Fred Sanford. LoL
Glad I didnt have to do alot of walking around today.

Havent done great on the diet. With my a/c out, I refuse to turn on the oven. Try to make healthy choices eating out. Sure is tough though.

[thedivahrrrself]

I know it's frustrating when you've been having bigger losses....but remember that 1 - 2 lbs a week is considered good, sustainable progress. You did good!



And stepping up the exercise builds muscle....which weighs more inch for inch than fat does.

I still check the scale, but I can tell I'm building muscle and things are rearranging. Have you measured yourself lately? How are the clothes fitting?


It's hard to tell with my clothes because I lost 30 pounds over about 3 months, and then I hit a plateau the last 5 months or so. So JAGG has helped me to gear up for a healthy lifestyle change for sustainable, permanent weight loss. (He says I can never have real butter again... The rest of it I can live with, but butter??? NOOOOOO)

Anyway, so a lot of my clothes were already big to begin with, as I haven't been able to replace my entire wardrobe yet. I have not measured. That would require someone else's assistance, and I don't want anyone to see that hip measurement! LOL

I know muscle weighs more than fat, people tell me that every time I have a disappointing result LOL but I'm going to blame it on the cookie I had this weekend instead to hopefully keep myself from repeating my mistakes. Also, JAGG has instructed me to save all the fatty foods for the starving African children, so I may have killed an orphan with my cookie :P

[JoSchmooze]

It's hard to tell with my clothes because I lost 30 pounds over about 3 months, and then I hit a plateau the last 5 months or so. So JAGG has helped me to gear up for a healthy lifestyle change for sustainable, permanent weight loss. (He says I can never have real butter again... The rest of it I can live with, but butter??? NOOOOOO)

Anyway, so a lot of my clothes were already big to begin with, as I haven't been able to replace my entire wardrobe yet. I have not measured. That would require someone else's assistance, and I don't want anyone to see that hip measurement! LOL

I know muscle weighs more than fat, people tell me that every time I have a disappointing result LOL but I'm going to blame it on the cookie I had this weekend instead to hopefully keep myself from repeating my mistakes. Also, JAGG has instructed me to save all the fatty foods for the starving African children, so I may have killed an orphan with my cookie :P

I do all my own measurements with a measuring tape....
And I only do them once a month so I can be
pleasantly surprised!
The only measurement I really have problems getting is
the upper arm so I ask Al the Russian to do it for me.
PArt of the intro to be with the Russian was to do all
measurements, weight and goals.....

Hang in there.....

:cigar2:

[girl_dee]

What you are saying is very true about working out

I can weigh the same thing at two different times in my life but when i am active and more lean my clothes just fit nicer and better.

[girl_dee]

i love the ingredients in plain ole Shredded Wheat (this Post brand anyway)

Ingredients: Shredded Wheat

that's it that's all

[girl_dee]

only down 2 pounds this week.

Not happy with myself right now. :(

Well i found 1/2 pound of it. :(

Does anyone else struggle with living with people who love junk food?

i have had issues with food my whole life, like since i was 5 and hated it,,, past few years i've come to love it, not in a bad way i don't think but not feeling guilt or like food is the enemy anymore. So i like to indulge and really appreciate food that is not so good for me. Now i can't turn it off and when i see someone enjoying chocolate cake i want some too! It's my journey not theirs but sometimes it's just hard.

We recently added a room onto the farm house that will give us a family room, we congregate in the kitchen now, so that will help, all i want to do is munch!

[girl_dee]

Happy Hump Day to all!!!! Hope it was a Great One!!!

Dang are my legs sore today!!! I walk like Fred Sanford. LoL
Glad I didnt have to do alot of walking around today.

Havent done great on the diet. With my a/c out, I refuse to turn on the oven. Try to make healthy choices eating out. Sure is tough though.


No kidding, i find it best to skip restaurants for me ( i know you can't w/o ac!) but i love the restaurant experience ( i am the primary cook here so it's a nice treat to be waited on) , today Syr took me to my favorite local place, i got a cesar salad, dressing on the side in a wrap. That was the best they had beside a plain salad, so not too bad but i still feel guilty!

Soon as we left Dr Oz was on a commercial, saying Cesar salad can have hundreds of calories and a ton of fat grams all from the dressing, SO glad i got mine on the side and had a teaspoon of it!

[Cowboi]

No kidding, i find it best to skip restaurants for me ( i know you can't w/o ac!) but i love the restaurant experience ( i am the primary cook here so it's a nice treat to be waited on) , today Syr took me to my favorite local place, i got a cesar salad, dressing on the side in a wrap. That was the best they had beside a plain salad, so not too bad but i still feel guilty!

Soon as we left Dr Oz was on a commercial, saying Cesar salad can have hundreds of calories and a ton of fat grams all from the dressing, SO glad i got mine on the side and had a teaspoon of it!





I guess it depends on the diet. When I am trying to eat super clean it is harder. No sauces, no dressings, no milk, or cheeses. Carbs coming from fiberous veggies, sweet potato, oats, and brown rice only.

[Hollylane]

This video is about so much more than weight loss, but I thought I'd post it here for inspiration and to show the power of the human spirit:

http://www.viddler.com/v/9e8ceec7

This is an amazing video. I needed this today, more than other days. Thank you. :flowers:

I am on light duty with exercise and hiking. Yesterday I was in the ER with an umbilical hernia (caused by the pyloroplasty last year). No lifting, no straining, no situps, no heavy pack for hiking. GrrrRRrrr...I will find other ways to keep the momentum up, but needless to say I am not happy about it, but this time, I will follow the doctor's orders. I have big plans for my future, and this was not part of my plans. But, life goes on, and I am not ever going to give up.

I hope you are all having a healthy and happy week!

[Tawse]

Ok... so for a month and a half I didn't fall off the wagon, apparently I jumped down - broke the wagon up and used the wood for kindling to bbq the ox pulling the wagon.

But I'm back.. and actually better than ever. (for now).

I've decided trying to eat 'healthy' and also trying to continue to eat a fair amount of processed food - is a losing battle. You not only can't eat much due to the calories, but I'm not convinced eating processed foods makes you feel unsatisfied and craving more food.

So I'm back and eating "clean" now. Not 100% clean - but very much for the most part indeed.

I've also started stationary biking. Right now my goal is 25 miles a week and I'm about to shatter that on my very first week - which is good I suppose, means I underestimated my drive at the get go (which is also kinda worrisome isn't it?)

I've been on a dinner for salad kick so far this week and I've discovered a couple of nice ones I thought I'd share:

we had this one last night:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Strawberry-Spinach-Salad-with-Ginger-Lime-Dressing/Detail.aspx

Neither of us are fans of limes - so we substituted Orange Ginger dressing instead of Lime. We also used romaine hearts instead of spinach - since Gillian isn't a huge huge fan of spinach and I can't push my luck with her. lol Over all a great dinner salad.

we had this one Tuesday night:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/warm-chicken-spinach-salad/detail.aspx

also an excellent salad. For this one we used Pineapple/Orange juice instead of just regular Orange juice and next time I'll cut the cornstarch in half and/or add more juice as the dressing was a bit too thick for my liking.

Friday I have a blueberry and bacon salad lined up that has me intrigued.

[PinkieLee]

Speaking of salads.... I had the most amazing salad yesterday from McAlister's Deli!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p480x480/582149_357468687621617_102834586418363_875620_1398 760273_n.jpg

Almonds, cranberries, feta cheese, cucumber, tomatoes & grilled chicken. They put the sherry dressing on the side, and I only used about half. So so so good!

[JoSchmooze]

Well i found 1/2 pound of it. :(

Does anyone else struggle with living with people who love junk food?

i have had issues with food my whole life, like since i was 5 and hated it,,, past few years i've come to love it, not in a bad way i don't think but not feeling guilt or like food is the enemy anymore. So i like to indulge and really appreciate food that is not so good for me. Now i can't turn it off and when i see someone enjoying chocolate cake i want some too! It's my journey not theirs but sometimes it's just hard.

We recently added a room onto the farm house that will give us a family room, we congregate in the kitchen now, so that will help, all i want to do is munch!

Dee, I understand how you feel about the "forbidden"
foods! It may be a bit easier for me since I live alone but I
had to do the whole sweep of the house to rid myself of the temptation.I do have to say that I have a pint of B&J ice cream in the freezer. I look at it and applaud myself when I don't grab it and shove it in my face!

As for salad dressings, I cannot say enough about the Walden Farms products. Look at them online, I especially like the creamy bacon. And they also have a chocolate sauce and dip that I use on fruits.......

Close, so close to 2 0 9. something.....this morning was 210.4

Keep on trucking...I am so invigorated by every one of you sharing and caring!


:cigar2:

[Rockinonahigh]

Forbiden foods for me are some sweets,Ice cream (anything with chocklate) or cokies and cream.two weeks ago my son came home from the store bringing two pints of liller ice cream,it took me three days to eat mine slow and easy and being its had been forever scince I had any at all I was ok with it.The the little rat brought home 5 dam quarts of chocklate swerle home..I did eat some but he at the majority of it.So now the house is void of bad stuff again ao im for the most part back on the wagon.Getting back in the gym will put things back to rights.Today I had a customer order three pies for a party at his house,a peanut butter pie,a home style apple then a key lime.Oh my what to do but at the price I charge and he pays im gonna make them.

[Cowboi]

WooooHo0o0o0oo its friday!!!!!

I got on the scales this morning, and TaDa!!! I have lost 5.5 lbs since I got home from vacaton. Thats a great way to start my day!!!

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend planned.
Stay focused, and stong!!!

[girl_dee]

WooooHo0o0o0oo its friday!!!!!

I got on the scales this morning, and TaDa!!! I have lost 5.5 lbs since I got home from vacaton. Thats a great way to start my day!!!

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend planned.
Stay focused, and stong!!!

:cheer: congrats!

[PinkieLee]

WooooHo0o0o0oo its friday!!!!!

I got on the scales this morning, and TaDa!!! I have lost 5.5 lbs since I got home from vacaton. Thats a great way to start my day!!!

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend planned.
Stay focused, and stong!!!

WAY TO GO!!! That is awesome.... all that hard work is paying off big time :)

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

Today was weigh and measure day at Curves. I'm down another 2 lbs (very slow but I'll take it) and another 2 inches.

My body fat percentage is still falling....so all the weight I'm losing is fat, and I'm building muscle. I even have visible biceps now....who knew? :blink: And I'm finally starting to lose inches in the upper arms and thighs....two places it had been stubborn to move from.

Oddly, I've lost none of my bust (which I normally would when just dieting)....although my chest measurement is a bit smaller since I've lost fat on my back. (Charming, huh?)

I'm crediting exercising with the difference. My body is reshaping itself in, to me, the best possible way....losing inches and toning up from waist to knees, and now some of that upper arm "stuff" going away too.

All of my pants and shorts are saggy and baggy....and it's going to be time to go do a little clothes shopping pretty soon. :)

Oh....and I have no forbidden foods. That always backfires for me. I have some I don't keep in the house (like BBQ chips) and allow myself only a very small amount very occasionally but, for me, the minute I say "no more ever" then that's the very thing I want. :|

Hugs to you all....and bravo on your efforts!

[JoSchmooze]

WooooHo0o0o0oo its friday!!!!!

I got on the scales this morning, and TaDa!!! I have lost 5.5 lbs since I got home from vacaton. Thats a great way to start my day!!!

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend planned.
Stay focused, and stong!!!

Excellent, dude!!

TA DAAAAAAAAAA.......

2 0 9 . 6

for me this morning.......it's getting there.....
Sometimes in ounces, sometimes in pounds....but little by little
it happens........

Hang in there y'all, keep on trucking!!

:cigar2:

[bigbutchmistie]

Well I have stopped fast food completely. I cook at home, and make sure its healthy. Ive cut out Soda's too. Every once in a while I will have a diet coke. I have gone down from a man's 58 to a 52. I feel better, and am sleeping better. Not up all hours of the night to pee or cause I cant sleep.

Good luck to everyone ! :)

[foxyshaman]

I have not gone to WW or stepped on a scale for a bit. But, I have not stopped exercising or working hard. I feel great. I am losing my girls... that makes me sooooooooo sad. But, I am getting triceps, which I can see through the 'wings' on my arms. During my workout weight class (called Force, dumb name) I am squatting 50 lbs. I want to go higher, but it takes time to build up my shoulder and arm strength to lift it over my head after a five minute track. I just increased from 45 lbs. I feel like I should be squatting way more. 50 lbs just seems so... wussy. I guess I can leave the farm, but not the farm expectations of myself... good grief. I pulled my diaphragm a couple weeks ago. Now that was weird. I woke up Thursday morning, took a nice breath and thought...oh now that is wrong. Doing Zumba was a challenge. Did you know you have to breathe to do Zumba? It's the little things in life that you notice. :canadian:

Anyway off to yoga.:praying: Have a great night.

Keep on working hard!! I love to read our collective stories. The inspirational, the struggles and oh yeah.... Tawse... the ox cracked me the hell up.

[JustJo]

Hey healthies,

Sucky news at the doctor today...evidently I get to choose between going back on Actos, which increases my risk of bladder cancer....doubling the drug I was hoping to get off of and which makes me feel sick...or....well, no...those are the choices at the moment.

Oh...and losing a lot more weight and basically never eating any of the food that non-diabetic people eat without even thinking about it.

Not a happy moment, especially after all of my work.

[deedarino]

It is so nice to come here and be with people who really know the struggles that trying to be healthy, can create.

Well my weight loss has slowed from the exercise but I can tell my body is changing. Things are starting to tighten up in certain areas and unfortunately sag in others :-( I can tell it is time to up my game and branch out to something besides the treadmill.

Who knew that losing so much weight would be an emotional rollercoaster ride? Sometimes I look at myself as beautiful and...damn! Sometimes all I can see is how far I have yet to go...I am not young anymore and I am starting to become a bit worried of what I will look like when I am done...

On a lighter note; I finally found a smoothie recipe I can live with. It is amazing and I am getting spinach in EVERY DAY!

1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/2 banana, giant handfull of spinach, scoop protein powder (vanilla, no sugar), chia seeds, and ice. YUM.

On an even lighter note: There is a cute butch who works out the same time as me... She keeps very much to herself and hasn't "seen" me yet but it still makes it easier to go each day...LOL

[Hollylane]

Hey healthies,

Sucky news at the doctor today...evidently I get to choose between going back on Actos, which increases my risk of bladder cancer....doubling the drug I was hoping to get off of and which makes me feel sick...or....well, no...those are the choices at the moment.

Oh...and losing a lot more weight and basically never eating any of the food that non-diabetic people eat without even thinking about it.

Not a happy moment, especially after all of my work.

Jo...I am sorry. I have had moments like this...so many. I can completely empathize. I know it is tough right now, but I know that it gets better, you deserve the best, you've earned it!

Congrats to all of you who have been successful this week. I am plateauing, likely because of my having to tone it down this week, but I am happy that I am relatively healthy. I have been walking all day at work. People make fun of me, but I do not care. I refer to the call center floor as our "indoor walking track". I downloaded an app to count my steps/pace. I am walking about 7 miles a day at 2.5 mph average. That is just in the call center. I am also walking two miles at lunch. It is keeping my blood sugar in check (no meds for me at this time), and that is what is most important to me right now. It is still disappointing to have to cut out the exercise that I love the most.

Have a happy and healthy weekend. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in here :)

[sylvie]

Okay, posted in here yesterday morning..
Then, i deleted it..

i'm having issues, big food issues, and i'm working on them..
i'm super plateau'd still at 217 lbs.. i need to get moving.. i'm not faithful with exercising, other than getting out walking.. (to work, back home from work, to work again, back home again...)

Trouble is, my body is used to *that* exercise.. So i need to get back at gym workouts, brisk walks at the lake, hiking, situps, etc..

i need motivation, i'm not always good with motivating myself..
What do ya's do to remotivate yourself ? Probably just going to have to be me kicking my own ass and pushing myself out and committing...

Some people say maybe i just needed the rest/break.. Well, great but it's been about 2 months of a break LOL.. i get random workouts in, just not as faithful as i was!!

[deedarino]

I have a long list of things I use to motivate myself. Each day is different and that smaller pair of pants I am waiting to wear may not be a motivating factor on any given day. My list of motivations can be wanting to try out a new playlist to wanting to learn pole dancing...

When in a plateau, I have come to think that my body thinks I am starving it to death and starts holding on like crazy to it's "blankey". So I trick it by feeding myself a lot for a day or two (try to keep it healthy but I eat extra). My body then gives a sigh of relief that I am not starving it and the weight starts to come off again...

Me and my body have trust issues...:-)

[Hollylane]

Okay, posted in here yesterday morning..
Then, i deleted it..

i'm having issues, big food issues, and i'm working on them..
i'm super plateau'd still at 217 lbs.. i need to get moving.. i'm not faithful with exercising, other than getting out walking.. (to work, back home from work, to work again, back home again...)

Trouble is, my body is used to *that* exercise.. So i need to get back at gym workouts, brisk walks at the lake, hiking, situps, etc..

i need motivation, i'm not always good with motivating myself..
What do ya's do to remotivate yourself ? Probably just going to have to be me kicking my own ass and pushing myself out and committing...

Some people say maybe i just needed the rest/break.. Well, great but it's been about 2 months of a break LOL.. i get random workouts in, just not as faithful as i was!!

Hi sylvie...I can't say that I am successful every day at motivating myself. The best motivator I have, and try to keep in perspective daily, is that my health is the most important thing in my world. I want to live the fullest, happiest, amazing life that I possibly can. If I don't get my ass moving on a daily basis, and control what goes into my body, I know that I won't be enjoying my life as much, and I won't be around as long to enjoy the life that I have.

I definitely have my days where I am a complete lump, but I try to keep those to a minimum.

[sylvie]

Hi sylvie...I can't say that I am successful every day at motivating myself. The best motivator I have, and try to keep in perspective daily, is that my health is the most important thing in my world. I want to live the fullest, happiest, amazing life that I possibly can. If I don't get my ass moving on a daily basis, and control what goes into my body, I know that I won't be enjoying my life as much, and I won't be around as long to enjoy the life that I have.

I definitely have my days where I am a complete lump, but I try to keep those to a minimum.

I have a long list of things I use to motivate myself. Each day is different and that smaller pair of pants I am waiting to wear may not be a motivating factor on any given day. My list of motivations can be wanting to try out a new playlist to wanting to learn pole dancing...

When in a plateau, I have come to think that my body thinks I am starving it to death and starts holding on like crazy to it's "blankey". So I trick it by feeding myself a lot for a day or two (try to keep it healthy but I eat extra). My body then gives a sigh of relief that I am not starving it and the weight starts to come off again...

Me and my body have trust issues...:-)

thank you both SO much....
falling in that slump, it's a hard place to push oneself out of sometimes..
And the answers are so easy, just not easily found within..
So being reminded of those simple things is exactly what the doctor ordered.
That's why i love this thread, thank you! ♥
(and those of you who repped ideas as well..)

[sylvie]

Today i am stepping out of my blahs.. (long overdue!)
i am meeting a friend at his gym, and he's taking me through an arm & core workout that will work to tone loose skin for me.. So grateful he is willing to do this with me..

Also, i just super cleaned out my fridge & cupboards..
A few things i have been really struggling with eating (slightly overeating)..
Really on the verge of losing myself - today it stops.. i dumped it all in and tied the garbage bag and ready to bring it out to the dumpster.. After the gym, i will stop at the grocery store and get some more fresh fruit, veggies & meat .

Today is about reinforcing my tools, hopping back on track and continuing to get healthy! It's also about incorporating different things into my program, changing things up and embracing this body i have, loving it and taking care of it because i want to be healthier...

Tomorrow is my appointment with my Dietician. i will not cancel - i.will.not.

Happy Tuesday Healthies! ♥

[Tawse]

Last night - I did a harder course on the stationary bike than last week - ended up going further than I did on the easier course - in the same amount of time - with the same average heart rate.

YAY!!!!!

[Cowboi]

Good afternoon friends.
I have been hitting it hard at the gym. I think I have pulled to many carbs from my diet, (was weaker than my norm) so I am going to tweek my diet a bit and see how that goes. So, today was a carb loading day.

Its almost hump day!!! Keep up the good work!!!

[deedarino]

I have put on two lbs but my pants are looser than ever...I WISH I would have been measuring instead...

Does anyone have any hints to help tighten skin? I am only halfway and have issues already. It is kinda a kill-joy. :(

[girl_dee]

down one pound. i know i am supposed to be happy about that but after one month and two pounds total loss well i'm not that patient!

My clothes feel a little better too. Like i put my jeans on right out of the dryer and they felt like i had already been wearing them :hk4:

[sylvie]

Working on loose skin is something i am working on right now.. Mostly the arms, but also the tummy a lil bit.. i have lost 98 lbs so far with pretty much no toning, except on odd occasion.. Nothing constant.. So now i really need to start toning along with my work out to see what i can get rid of on my own..

i met with a guy a work with yesterday and he spent an hour and a half with me, going over different weights & exercises, how often i should do them, etc.. It's going to be a lot of hard work, but i'm a worker, and i'm up for the challenge, especially if it prevents surgery in the future..

deedarino, what i've been doing is online searches and finding out lots of information that way, have you tried that route? What specific areas are you trying to tone? In my opinion the best way will be a good weights program targetting those areas, and being consistent with that along with cardio.. i am still searching additional things that might help as well - hopefully i'll have more to offer but for now that's all i've got! ♥ i'd be willing to share what i learned yesterday re: weights, etc if you like & whatever else along the way!

Leaving for my dietician appt soon..weigh in day, i know it won't be good and there is a gain, but maybe that's what i need to refocus and quite sitting on my rear...
:|

[Lady_Di]

Allllllrighty then. The Marine kicked my arse today!!! I know its been a good workout when I am about to puke.
Gonna have some chicken and broccoli for dinner, and lots of H2O.

Looks like its gonna be thursday before I have new A/C installed.
maybe I will seat off some pounds...LoL

Hope that everyone had a good Monday!!!

I am quite certain that whatever the scale may say, with what you are doing... muscle is being made, which is way heavier than fat. Puck that scale... :|


I too had my simple but delicious organic free range happy chicken and some organic green beans for my dinner last night. My desert was a really juicy grapefruit which is so dang satisfying for me, Better than Chocolate, I swear.

Thinking I will have a similar repast this evening. Chicken and spinach this time. Might be blueberries, which are my all time absolute favouritous healthy addiction.

Love that we can develop healthy addictions, healthy habits that are so doable for the rest of my life. I know I do not feel the least bit deprived when I eat per my plan. Though I do not beat myself at all when I have a splurge.

Life is good. Still prefer frozen organic wild blueberries over a piece of candy.

d'lucky grrrrrl


~who can not wait til I am cleared to be back at the pool everyday!!!!


:fastdraq: <<<< d'who is also taking a marksmanship course in Boulder whether or not I move, I am gonna have some fun where ever I may find myself. Wish it sort of counted as exercise. But alas, I rather doubt it. I used to get away with telling myself that anything I do upright and standing is exercise at my weight, but I am not that weight anymore. I am about to be in the 100's for the first time in years and I am really excited about that prospect. But the holding up a couple of extra hundreds of pounds is no longer exercise these days. Glad I am not in the 300's or 400's anymore. Can hardly wait to see those magical 100's! I will get to join the Sweet 1's team over on Spark People! Wooooah!!!! :fastdraq::fastdraq::fastdraq:

[JoSchmooze]

Lady Di - congrats on gettong to the 100's club!! I am doing my damnest to get there myself!

Sylvie...sometimes we need a kick in the pants (metaphorically speaking) to get back up on that horse again.....

I got sidetracked already this week with my sleep schedule, circadian rhythmn. I have been up since 2 am working - and then ran out to work with Al the Russian at 9 am. It is only 11 am now but it's 90* out there! But since I have done my 8 hours of work already for the day, I am going to get a pedi after lunch and then just relax in the pool for a bit.......

Life is good.....just a hair shy of having lost 50 punds so far....
Keep on trucking y'all................

:cigar2:

[Lady_Di]

Working on loose skin is something i am working on right now.. Mostly the arms, but also the tummy a lil bit.. i have lost 98 lbs so far with pretty much no toning, except on odd occasion.. Nothing constant.. So now i really need to start toning along with my work out to see what i can get rid of on my own..

i met with a guy a work with yesterday and he spent an hour and a half with me, going over different weights & exercises, how often i should do them, etc.. It's going to be a lot of hard work, but i'm a worker, and i'm up for the challenge, especially if it prevents surgery in the future..

deedarino, what i've been doing is online searches and finding out lots of information that way, have you tried that route? What specific areas are you trying to tone? In my opinion the best way will be a good weights program targetting those areas, and being consistent with that along with cardio.. i am still searching additional things that might help as well - hopefully i'll have more to offer but for now that's all i've got! ♥ i'd be willing to share what i learned yesterday re: weights, etc if you like & whatever else along the way!

Leaving for my dietician appt soon..weigh in day, i know it won't be good and there is a gain, but maybe that's what i need to refocus and quite sitting on my rear...
:|


Sending you the virtual work out bands over at Spark People. I am happy to say they are actually being used here now. Versus being ornaments in my home :|

Please please please, read The Spark for his inspiration is priceless, seriously. His experience, strength and hope... worth the 5 bucks it costs to get his book. Plus you get points over at spark people, a good thing. Silly but good, lol I like silly. I like things that make me smile, spark people often times is one of them these days. Anyhows, something I will remind you of what he says about exercise and knocking our selves out, read about what he does, what his brother did and how unsuccessful his brother was in the end, after training like a muther pucker each and everyday... hours and hours, when he could no longer do as much, classes or whatever got in the way. Versus how he only forced himself to move, whatever it was for 10 minutes a day. Anything over that was Extra Credit, which helps give you a ego boost when you go beyond a mere 10 minutes a day. And btw, grrrrl... walking counts! You are doing good. Stop beating up my friend, dang it!


as for da skin flapping in the breezes here... :|

Alas, for me there is no way around the extra skin I have except via surgical intervention. But I am much older than you, no doubt. Not older and wiser, just older, lol... which means I do not make the collagen you younger folks do, thus you can do a lot to get your skin to stretch back into place, a bit.

As for the surgeries I will be having before I know it... they will be no walk in the park. Very painful surgeries, from what I have heard. And have seen first hand as an RN. These pannectomy and the tit job, since they are like sling shots at this point. *** my mentor likes to say she was once a 44 FF, now she is a 40 Long! LOL ***

The surgeries, which will be way harder than my recent two surgeries... my total knee replacements. Which I am happy to say are healing up nicely and am so excited at being able to jump on my bicycle once again. Those huge bones spurs are gone for good now. Nothing is there to interfere with my range of motion. It was awful that I did not even have the range of motion to be able to use a bicycle. But that was then, this is now. And my pretty little green Schwinn is just as happy to see as I am to see her, imnsho~!

My ex was so embarrassed by my legs not being able to straighten, I did have legs that were that of a very sad out of shape 90 year old. Today my legs are more like a healthy happy 30 year old. Just with some extra skin. Not too shabby being that I just turned 54 last week!

:cherry::veggie::cherry::bowdown:

I go to a local Bariactric Support group here, several actually. One is free and open to anyone, whether or not they are going the path of surgical intervention or not. By definition Bariactrics is simply the area of medicine that focuses on obesity and the study therein. One of these groups is run by a wonderful sports psychologist here, health educator, too... she keeps adding letters behind her name, loves to learn, study AND amazingly, likes to keep things very simple. I have lost count of how many PhD's she has right now. anyhows... Her group is only 20 bucks a month and well worth it, my health is worth that! Hey that is the prices of a couple of burger dinners, no?


Dr. Betty's best advice. Concentrate on 4 things:

Nutrition
Exercise
Sleep
Water

Of course there is much more to each of those areas, as to why they are so critical and what not. She likes to focus on brain chemistry and what our behaviours do to alter it. Like breathing, she always starts off with us simply taking deep slow breathes, holding it for 5 seconds and the even slower blow it out. And if you do that 5 times, you will change your biochemistry noticably. Your neuro chemicals in your brain take on a whole new perspective. Our bodies respond so very much even to the most basic of things like that. I could go on and on about dopamine and serotonin, but I can just see your eyes glazing over, lol. But that deep breathing, that is one of the essences of why yoga works so effectively. I love my yoga, restorative yoga for the win!


There is so much research in the area of obesity, from a scientific standpoint, and we are discovering more everyday. Most of which is common sense, like sleep is imperative, circadian rhythms and all that bloody rot.

Yes, obesity stuff is big business.... sadly. I hate that. But for many people this life and death, though I know there are lots of healthy fat folks, I know for many years I was one of them. I still have the best dang cholesterol and triglycerides levels going, my blood pressure on average is about 110/60 - 115/70. As an ex cardiac nurse, I can tell you that is damned good no matter what size you are. My pulse rate is that of an athlete, which I sort of was before I gained all this weight to begin with. But my athleticism was relagated to the ballet studio which I practically lived in at one time, long long ago. Anyhows, I digress... nothing new there.

My point is that many in that Bariactric Support group will not get the extra skin taken off, they consider it a badge of courage and are proud of their 'wings'.

I am not so proud of em, though I do not hate anything about my body. I love myself at every weight I have been, big little and in between. That is not the issue for me. Though I am sure I have had my pity parties upon more than one occasion. I am simply glad that the g forces upon my joints is less. I have done those PT calculations for every pound how much pressure is exerted. Simple math exercise, such fun~! I do love math and science, as you may recall. Bottom line, being lighter is easier to carry me around, my joints are still complaining to me, though now it is not about weight, it is about lack of bone density.

I am diligent about taking my calcium q8 hours, which is the fastest our bodies can absorb the minerals in question. Not just calcium is imperative for me, but so is magnesium and Vit D, amoung other things. Lately I have been reading up on Iodine definciency as well, which is sadly more and more common in this day and age. Knowledge is Power. I firmly believe that. And I will act accordingly. And I do. Just doing it. Whatever it takes to be healthy here.

Just got my monthly shipment of my Shaklee Vit D, which I have to say I am awe of. Also their chewable calcium tabs are delicious, who would have thunk it!? Does anyone else here supplement and if so, what are you guys doing?

I realize everyone has a different story, there is no one size fit all solution here. Health and wellness, whatever works for you... *I know I am redundant here...* just do it!

Still willing to go to any lengths for my health here,
d'getting smaller grrrrl

[canmarielan]

Hey everyone!

I hope you all are doing well!!

*hugs*

I'm having a bit of a rough patch.

Click here for a little rant where I feel sorry for myself. (http://mynewdefinition.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/forgiveness-im-angry/)

[Zimmeh]

I have been working my butt off in order to get ready for yesterday. I got my braces put on yesterday and so far so good! I am having yogurt, jello, pudding, smoothies and rice! I am liking the smoothies from Silk! They are very good :)

Zimmeh

[Lady_Di]

Okay, posted in here yesterday morning..
Then, i deleted it..

i'm having issues, big food issues, and i'm working on them..
i'm super plateau'd still at 217 lbs.. i need to get moving.. i'm not faithful with exercising, other than getting out walking.. (to work, back home from work, to work again, back home again...)

Trouble is, my body is used to *that* exercise.. So i need to get back at gym workouts, brisk walks at the lake, hiking, situps, etc..

i need motivation, i'm not always good with motivating myself..
What do ya's do to remotivate yourself ? Probably just going to have to be me kicking my own ass and pushing myself out and committing...

Some people say maybe i just needed the rest/break.. Well, great but it's been about 2 months of a break LOL.. i get random workouts in, just not as faithful as i was!!

I sometimes, when my spirit is a bit lagging... I get inspiration from folks like you all here, and my mentor along this path less traveled. The one that refers to her bosom... as 'I used to be a 44FF now and I am 40L - which stands for Long...' She is the one that though much heavier than me, swims at least a mile each and everyday she can. Only thing that has ever stopped her was when she had an open wound that refused to heal for a bit. I think she may have had the skin surgery, as she has also lost several hundred pounds. I adore her, amazing sense of humor and I simply love her attitude. She has always been large and proud, has been a professional burlesque person and has even been in several movies. She is a dynamo. My mentor RAWKs!

She blogs too, so if you want some inspiration, let me know and I will point the way.

I also read things that support the path I am on, with tons of suggestions. Particularly inspiring for me is The Spark from the fellow that started Spark People. I can not impress on you enough, how much his attitude and approach to change has helped me. Emmensely is an understatement.

From making a Vision Board, that you see each and everyday... one of my favourite suggestions he makes... to nutrition tracking, exercise tracking. All very helpful for me. Helps me identify what I am working towards and patterns of my own behaviour. Helps me, for a whole host of reasons. And I like getting points everyday there. Strange but true. It works, not sure why. I compete with my own self. There are folks there that have checked in everyday for years now. I am no where near that perfect. I know I do better when I can just do it, tracking really is helpful. Helps me to be accountable there to my own self.

The Spark is what worked for him. Spread that spark. Join a team, read some of those incredible blogs there. Not everything do you have to do, but everything I have tried, I have enjoyed. *sorry my grammar sucks today~ somedays I really hate English - today nothing I say looks exactly right. May just be semantics, I do not know, but I think you get my drift, no?*

Like the 10 minutes of exercise each and everyday, come hell or high water. That is one of the more active teams I am over at spark people, the 10 min a day exercise group. Everything over that 10 min is Extra Credit, which always feels good. I know I know... silly, but it works on the way my brain works. Gives me positive reinforcement, instead of beating myself up all the time for not doing an hour or two everyday. For me that is exceptional. *though not in the pool, which is hard to get me out of - and just check out how many calories are burned just treading water, oh my goodness me!!!* Anyhows, I like going the extra mile, getting extra credit. It psyches my head out somehow, not sure exactly why. He goes into it a bit in his book there.

Even on my worstest days ever, I can usually pull of a mere 10 minutes of something or nuther. I also finds it helps to shake things up and do things that are simply fun for that 10 min. I love to walk in the outdoor sculpture gardens here. Fast brisk walks, or long and leisurely, all of it counts, imo. Better than being stuck behind a computer screen or the telllie. Or like bouncing a ball against the garage. A bit of tennis anyone?? Or hitting a batting cage, whatever. Heck, bowling might even work if you keep moving. It surprized me a while back that bowling could make me sore. In a good way, it was a challenge at that weight. Now my only concern is if there is any twisting pressure on my knees. I will protect these brand new knees with my life.

I just found out today from a friend that has several horses that her nieghbor also still rides just fine and she had her knees done, as have several others she knows that have horses. For me hearing that was like Nirvana.

Something you can do at any weight is play in the water, be it the laps, or PT or what I fondly like to call Yogalates. Which combines yoga and pilates in the water. It is fun, the hour is usually up and stay in for more on my own. Exercises my PT gave me at the pool, just plain fun.

anyhows, I am just meandering with you here. If you were close by I would invite you to the water aerobics I do with the Silver Sneaker folks, most of whom are on Medicare. They get free memberships to most gyms in the country. I have met some really great folks there, who never miss a day. Totally non judgemental too. Which is a big deal if you are self conscious as I have been in the past. My mentor gave me the suggestion way back when to just get out there and smile at everyone I know and say hello to at least 10 strangers/people a day. You never know what sort of doors that might open up. Might turn you on to stuff that is going on in your own community that might be fun for you. Mud races are big here, not sure what is big where you are at. I can't risk it with my new knees, but it does sound like fun.

But that is one of the reasons this is the nations' worst dressed folks. Fittest, but worst dressed. Most folks dress for comfort and for the activity they might engage in. I love this area. But Madison Avenue we are not. Happy to not feel judged by anyone. Even in the shape I am, compared to most here... I still have a long way to go. Though when I engage with people, turns out they are super happy for me and suportive. More supportive than my own partner ever was! Sad but true. I am so happy to be free and single today. No plans for a relationship on the horizon, too. Though I do know sex is a great physically demanding sort of thing, or can be... might be something you also might consider. Anything that can elevate your heart rate is a good thing. Definite perks...

So have a little fun, get a little clean sweat in your life. Enjoy it hon!

:hangloose:

[deedarino]

I take Iron, Calcium, Vit c, Vit D, B Complex, St John's Wort...I do not feel good without them now. I would like to add Magnesium and I should do some research on iodine. Chewables are my favorite!!!

Thanks Lady_Di, I am going to check out that link. Any motivation is good motivation. I actually use my pinterest boards a lot as "dream" boards. I also find exercises and recipes like crazy...

I too will be having surgery when I am done. I ain't gonna loose all this weight so I can be flappin in the wind. No. I want to be able to move with nothing jiggling...lol.

[Lady_Di]

I take Iron, Calcium, Vit c, Vit D, B Complex, St John's Wort...I do not feel good without them now. I would like to add Magnesium and I should do some research on iodine. Chewables are my favorite!!!

Thanks Lady_Di, I am going to check out that link. Any motivation is good motivation. I actually use my pinterest boards a lot as "dream" boards. I also find exercises and recipes like crazy...

I too will be having surgery when I am done. I ain't gonna loose all this weight so I can be flappin in the wind. No. I want to be able to move with nothing jiggling...lol.


I don't mind flapping, per se. I do love birds. lol... Birds of a Feather, a queer retirement community in Santa Fe, NM... but I digress yet again.

I want the surgery as imo and the doctors is it medically necessary as it is a health hazard. Have had more than one patient with terrible skin underneath those folds. They keep it as clean as they can, and yet still yeast and what not can and do grow in dark moist areas. Not even gonna tell you some of the stuff I have seen growing on some folks!

Another even bigger issue, imnsho... is that there is real danger especially for people over menopausal age, whatever that may be. Our skin as we age gets thinner, that is pretty much part of everyone's aging process. As part of that, one of the problems often encountered is skin tears. I am not a diabetic or anything, have beautiful labs, as I mentioned earlier today. But... a skin tear allows bacterias and viruses to get past our biggest defense system. Skin integrity is a big big huge issue imo. Thus to prevent the possibility of a skin tear, or at least lessen the possibility... getting rid of the flapping is just simple physics, it tears easier when it is flapping about all over the place.

Want to know an accident I had many many years ago? My long breast flapping away as they do when I run... well... no easy way to say it, but as I was running past our bedroom door one day, high up on our mountain top... I was running full speed ahead because I heard someone coming up my private road, turns out it was just my dad. BUT.... I was naked at the time and the bloody tit got hung up on the door handle of the bedroom. One of those french door handles... it speared me thru my tit. Quite literally I had to unhook my breast off the handle. I screamed bloody murder. Though I was not in pain, as I have a really really high pain tolerance, just probably was in shock when it happened. My dad got me to the emergency room and all the lovely interns got to come see the freak accident of the flying breast, lol... the nurse sewed me up with no anesthetic, didn't bother me one bit. Left me with virtually no scar tissue. Though it does show up on a mamogram if you really look for it. Amazing what the body can do, how it has such a great capacity for healing. I adore homeostasis, turns me on.

Anyhows... Was actually pretty cool to see the inside of my breast tissue. The nerdie science nut in me was fascinated. It was better than cadaver lab, since I could feel what the patient might experience. It was very cool indeed to see the inside of my body like that. AND I had at that time some really big fat cells. You could see them quite clearly, each one individually was simply huge!

Seeee..... skin flapping around can be really bad for your health. The other lesson I learned... aside from not sitting around naked sewing all day up on my mountain top cabin, was to not panic. I am sure my dad has seen a naked woman before. It really was not a big deal. I would not run today if someone suddenly shows up and I am nekkid. I would cover up, calmly and rationally....


oh the things we learn as we grow up, no?

d'silly grrrrl of the Rocky Mountains

[deedarino]

I don't mind flapping, per se. I do love birds. lol... Birds of a Feather, a queer retirement community in Santa Fe, NM... but I digress yet again.

I want the surgery as imo and the doctors is it medically necessary as it is a health hazard. Have had more than one patient with terrible skin underneath those folds. They keep it as clean as they can, and yet still yeast and what not can and do grow in dark moist areas. Not even gonna tell you some of the stuff I have seen growing on some folks!

Another even bigger issue, imnsho... is that there is real danger especially for people over menopausal age, whatever that may be. Our skin as we age gets thinner, that is pretty much part of everyone's aging process. As part of that, one of the problems often encountered is skin tears. I am not a diabetic or anything, have beautiful labs, as I mentioned earlier today. But... a skin tear allows bacterias and viruses to get past our biggest defense system. Skin integrity is a big big huge issue imo. Thus to prevent the possibility of a skin tear, or at least lessen the possibility... getting rid of the flapping is just simple physics, it tears easier when it is flapping about all over the place.

Want to know an accident I had many many years ago? My long breast flapping away as they do when I run... well... no easy way to say it, but as I was running past our bedroom door one day, high up on our mountain top... I was running full speed ahead because I heard someone coming up my private road, turns out it was just my dad. BUT.... I was naked at the time and the bloody tit got hung up on the door handle of the bedroom. One of those french door handles... it speared me thru my tit. Quite literally I had to unhook my breast off the handle. I screamed bloody murder. I was not in pain, as I have a really really high pain tolerance, and I probably was in shock when it happened. My dad got me to the emergency room and all the lovely interns go to come see the freak accident of the flying breast, lol... the nurse sewed me up with no anesthetic, didn't bother me one bit.

Was actually pretty cool to see the inside of my breast tissue. I had at that time some really big fat cells. You could see them quite clearly, each one individually was simply huge!

Seeee..... skin flapping around can be really bad for your health. The other lesson I learned... aside from not sitting around naked sewing all day up on my mountain top cabin, was to not panic. I am sure my dad has seen a naked woman before. It really was not a big deal. I would not run today if someone suddenly shows up and I am nekkid. I would cover up, calmly and rationally....


oh the things we learn as we grow up, no?

d'silly grrrrl of the Rocky Mountains


OMG I am mortified and freakin' dyin over here at the same time!!! LOLOL

So sorry for your....well...you know...

*Giving the girls a little squeeze of appreciation*

[Lady_Di]

Hey everyone!

I hope you all are doing well!!

*hugs*

I'm having a bit of a rough patch.

Click here for a little rant where I feel sorry for myself. (http://mynewdefinition.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/forgiveness-im-angry/)

Beautifully written blog post. You can contact me anytime. Have sponsored more than one agnostic in my day. Even a couple of atheists~

Take care hon.

One day, one hour, one second at a time. Each moment, is a new beginning or can be.

Never give up on yourself. You are a miracle. And even if you do not believe it, I know it and will continue to love you til you can love yourself.

:fastdraq: d'sheriff

[Lady_Di]

OMG I am mortified and freakin' dyin over here at the same time!!! LOLOL

So sorry for your....well...you know...

*Giving the girls a little squeeze of appreciation*

It was hilarious, actually...

:)

[sylvie]

Good morning Healthies.. ♥

Went to my Dietician appt on Wednesday..i didn't gain!
i actually lost 1 lb.. (in 2 months) but.. without exercising or really following my plan, i am happy to know that once i do lose the weight i want to lose, i 'can' & will maintain it!

So, 99 lbs lost total, since April of 2011 - and i got myself back on track.
Yesterday,i went for a 3 1/2 hour long walk, beautiful day & i stopped to visit my godmother's grave and spent some time with her, also found a spot to meditate along the way and meditated along my walk..

By the time i got home, i felt wonderful for the exercise, and much peace within..Today, i just got home from a walk again (am between work shifts) and i feel so strong...

Also, found my triggers from these last couple of months, working on those.
i'm in a healthy, happy place again, and ready to rock this.

♥

[sylvie]

Lady_Di, thank YOU!
So needed the kick in the pants to get back at SparkPeople.
It was doing me so much good motivationwise and i fell off of it..
And really, i love that site..
Going to log on there right now, and get it restarted again and keep at it faithfully..

Candace, (((hugggs))) You got this girl! Lemme know if you wanna skype tonight again. Love how we can motivate each other in different ways. And i'm here for you anytime..♥

JoSchmooze, congratulations on 50 lbs, i seen your pic on fb, and you are rockin it!

Hollylane, you probably won't check in here for a bit, but enjoy your time on the East Coast darlin, i'm super happy for you both ♥

[JustJo]

Hey healthies :)

I haven't posted as much lately...mostly because I've been frustrated and angry and having a little pity party.

So I had my latest doctor's appointment and got my lab results. All is good except that my A1c is up to 7.1 - which is "damage is happening" territory.

Meanwhile I'm exercising faithfully, eating pretty well, dropping weight and frankly looking and feeling better than I have in a long time. The rise in A1c is completely due to going off the Actos....because it may increase the chance of bladder cancer, but it's a darn effective diabetes drug.

So I'm frustrated....because it feels like I'm working hard and doing great and, when it comes to the diabetes, I'm losing anyway.

I'm angry....because it feels like no matter how hard I work it doesn't make enough difference to count....because "other people" can drink soda and eat candy and generally pig out and not have to deal with this disease that would like to blind me and put me in a wheelchair or worse....because I know the judgement is out there in the world that I'm diabetic because I'm lazy or fat or eat garbage, when the reality is that I'm diabetic because of my genetics and all I can do, and only through intense, sustained effort is to moderate the effect of my genetics a tiny bit.

And I'm having a little pity party...because it just isn't fucking fair.

So...my choices, as presented by the doctor:

go back on the Actos and monitor urine samples faithfully to catch any cancer early if it happens, but recognize it dramatically increases the risk
double up the glimiperide....which I was hoping to get off of completely because it's the drug that makes me feel sick. It also scares me because it forces the pancreas to produce insulin....which feels a little like I'm whipping a tired horse....something that generally doesn't end well.
or.....well.....that's it. Those are my choices.


I recognize that in many ways I am fortunate. I have health insurance (with a huge deductible, but still...insurance). I have a good doctor and easy access to medical care. I have the funds to buy healthy food. I have the knowledge of how to cook and eat to maintain my health.

I have it better than many. I know that.

But I also have it worse than many too....who can go eat a candy bar and not have to wonder what it's doing to their eyes, or their feet, or their kidneys, or.....

[Leigh]

Hey healthies :)

I haven't posted as much lately...mostly because I've been frustrated and angry and having a little pity party.

So I had my latest doctor's appointment and got my lab results. All is good except that my A1c is up to 7.1 - which is "damage is happening" territory.

Meanwhile I'm exercising faithfully, eating pretty well, dropping weight and frankly looking and feeling better than I have in a long time. The rise in A1c is completely due to going off the Actos....because it may increase the chance of bladder cancer, but it's a darn effective diabetes drug.

So I'm frustrated....because it feels like I'm working hard and doing great and, when it comes to the diabetes, I'm losing anyway.

I'm angry....because it feels like no matter how hard I work it doesn't make enough difference to count....because "other people" can drink soda and eat candy and generally pig out and not have to deal with this disease that would like to blind me and put me in a wheelchair or worse....because I know the judgement is out there in the world that I'm diabetic because I'm lazy or fat or eat garbage, when the reality is that I'm diabetic because of my genetics and all I can do, and only through intense, sustained effort is to moderate the effect of my genetics a tiny bit.

And I'm having a little pity party...because it just isn't fucking fair.

So...my choices, as presented by the doctor:

go back on the Actos and monitor urine samples faithfully to catch any cancer early if it happens, but recognize it dramatically increases the risk
double up the glimiperide....which I was hoping to get off of completely because it's the drug that makes me feel sick. It also scares me because it forces the pancreas to produce insulin....which feels a little like I'm whipping a tired horse....something that generally doesn't end well.
or.....well.....that's it. Those are my choices.


I recognize that in many ways I am fortunate. I have health insurance (with a huge deductible, but still...insurance). I have a good doctor and easy access to medical care. I have the funds to buy healthy food. I have the knowledge of how to cook and eat to maintain my health.

I have it better than many. I know that.

But I also have it worse than many too....who can go eat a candy bar and not have to wonder what it's doing to their eyes, or their feet, or their kidneys, or.....

Thank you for posting this :)

[justkim]

When I look in the mirror I still see that FAT girl...
Today I went and got some new clothes for work...
I have been wearing my larger sized clothes to hide...
Hide who I was and who I am becoming... It felt safe... I felt safe...
Then I got the promotion at work and realized I needed to not look so frumpy...
You can not work in this industry and look frumpy...
Even though the sizes were much smaller than I expected, I still saw that FAT girl in the mirror...
I am trying so hard to change how *I* see myself...

[imperfect_cupcake]

It is pretty hard to change the view of self. I have pretty bad body dismorphia at times so I have NO idea how big or small I am. I have lost 23 Kilos. that's over 50 pounds.

Unfortunately about 30 pounds of it was not healthy weight loss. It happend when my wife left me and I stopped eating and shook constantly. I didn't eat for almost a month and then anything solid I ate would cause severe pain and come right back up. I had given myself very bad gastritis an on the way to an ulcer.

So I slowly over another three weeks began to be able to eat.

since then I have completely changed my eating habits and I'm in training. I no longer diet. I eat anything I want but I have found I don't really want much. I can't eat nearly close to what I used to and things like doughnuts take hideous. I still love cheese though.

I don't eat shit not because I'm dieting, but because I don't crave them. I have no idea how this happened. I just don't want them.

I went to therapy to address some of my issues in the marriage and found that my biggest issues that were at the core of everything: my depression, stress reactions, binge eating etc all came from a desperate need for space. Because I caretake too much. I then get burnt out and when I got a couple hours to myself I would carbload so drug myself because of my high stress levels.

since I have noticed that my binge eating is purely about exhaustion, I am far more vigilant about ensuring I have down time, by myself, doing wtf I want. I also listen to soothing hypnosis relaxation cds at night when I go to sleep.

I think this is probably why I don't crave anywhere near to what I used to. My driving myself far too hard and caretaking other people till I collapse. Stressing out and trying to control my environment.

I'm now down to a UK size 16 (US 14) and I want to lose one more size.

The only draw back I've noticed is the attention I'm getting. I'm getting sexually harassed more and I'm finding I get a lot of strange reactions from the dyke community. I am pretty girlie but it seemed my weight made the girly bits ok. Now they seem to suspect me of something but I haven't figured out what. No one talks to me when I go to socials. I have to throw myself at someone to get a conversation.

My feelings are getting hurt quite a bit when I go out. People call me intimidating, predatory, that I will eat someone alive... I have no CLUE where it's coming from but the only things that's changed about me is my size and I have a bit more self confidence. And I've lost a wife to divorce, which also puts me in the slightly sad headspace.

I do sometimes wish I was back at a size 20 where I wasn't threatening to people. I won't though because I love the clothes I can get now and it's easier to move around a massage table and work. But I am a bit down about how people are treating me after losing weight and gaining some of my confidence back, that was hard won after being left, let me tell you.

[sylvie]

Good Morning all..
The last few days have been really good days, & i know i am finally back on track. my motivation & energy are back full force, finally - this makes me a very happy girl!

So my goals for the next 3 days are :

- hit the gym (tomorrow & friday)
- thursday, i will walk to & from work the long way for both shifts (that'll be 2 hours of walking total)
- drink lots more water..
- portion my food faithfully & stick to my meal plans..

& today, i got out my book on Training to Run, which i got from a friend..
& i am starting the program on Monday! So lots of reading to do..
my goal is to run my first marathon with my friend as soon as i complete the training program and feel ready.. What an accomplishment that will be..

Happy Tuesday Healthies! ♥

[Ginger]

The best thing for losing weight is unrequited lust. IMO.

[JoSchmooze]

I too, have not posted in a while....
I am fighting internally with this journey...
On Thursday I posted a pic on my FB status showing
the 50 lbs I have lost since Feb 3, 2012.....
I am in a bit of a slump and have doubts about the hCG diet.
Al the Russian tells me I am "starving myself"....I listen to
the voice in my head (oh, did I tell you that I am
feeling slightly nutz right about now?) that muscle
weighs more than fat....I see how my body is
reshaping itself but for some damned reason I am angry.....

Angry at not getting anywhere as quickly as promised....
Angry at giving in, telling myself that my body needs more to
eat to maintain muscle and tone.

Angry that I feel like I am, all of a sudden
feeling like I am binging (really? binging?? A handful of
walnuts to replace protein used up in training??)
and then purging by using fiber supplements
so that I can shed pounds......
And frustrated that when I see the doc on Friday it
will appear that no weight has been lost this month
even though I have lost and gained the same freakin
five pounds over and over again this past month.....

Angry and frustrated enough to chuck it all, stop this madness
and eat a pint of B&J...or go over to that BBQ place I pass
every time I go to the gym and order a rack of ribs and just sit there
and wolf them down!

Done, done, done with the rant.....
Sorry......

[Lady_Di]

I too, have not posted in a while....
I am fighting internally with this journey...
On Thursday I posted a pic on my FB status showing
the 50 lbs I have lost since Feb 3, 2012.....
I am in a bit of a slump and have doubts about the hCG diet.
Al the Russian tells me I am "starving myself"....I listen to
the voice in my head (oh, did I tell you that I am
feeling slightly nutz right about now?) that muscle
weighs more than fat....I see how my body is
reshaping itself but for some damned reason I am angry.....

Angry at not getting anywhere as quickly as promised....
Angry at giving in, telling myself that my body needs more to
eat to maintain muscle and tone.

Angry that I feel like I am, all of a sudden
feeling like I am binging (really? binging?? A handful of
walnuts to replace protein used up in training??)
and then purging by using fiber supplements
so that I can shed pounds......
And frustrated that when I see the doc on Friday it
will appear that no weight has been lost this month
even though I have lost and gained the same freakin
five pounds over and over again this past month.....

Angry and frustrated enough to chuck it all, stop this madness
and eat a pint of B&J...or go over to that BBQ place I pass
every time I go to the gym and order a rack of ribs and just sit there
and wolf them down!

Done, done, done with the rant.....
Sorry......


as I was driving back to Colorado, one of the radio newscaster said something about a recent study of how facebook is upping eating disorders and lowering people's self esteem, yadda yadda ya

welp, it don't have to be that way

we all have ups and downs and beat ourselves up from time to time. You know you doing it to yourself, too. We do take responsibility for our lot in life, at least most of us do here, no?

I have faith in you. If you feel you have stumbled or are not exactly where you want to be at right now... well....

there is a sign at my home group which I simply adore -

If you do not like where you are at...

Do Not Stop.


:)


Keeping coming back and never ever give up, no matter what you may be feeling, experiencing at this moment. Like a soldier I saw at the VA yesterday said to me. Reminding me of this -

Today is a good day to die!
AND a good day to fight.

wooooah!!!

the question is... what are you fighting for, who are you fighting for... or shall ye surrender and give up.

Never!

woooooah!!

One day, one hour, somedays... one second at a time. Each moment can be and truly is a new beginning.
d'who loves her veterans~

[Lady_Di]

It is pretty hard to change the view of self. I have pretty bad body dismorphia at times so I have NO idea how big or small I am. I have lost 23 Kilos. that's over 50 pounds.

Unfortunately about 30 pounds of it was not healthy weight loss. It happend when my wife left me and I stopped eating and shook constantly. I didn't eat for almost a month and then anything solid I ate would cause severe pain and come right back up. I had given myself very bad gastritis an on the way to an ulcer.

So I slowly over another three weeks began to be able to eat.

since then I have completely changed my eating habits and I'm in training. I no longer diet. I eat anything I want but I have found I don't really want much. I can't eat nearly close to what I used to and things like doughnuts take hideous. I still love cheese though.

I don't eat shit not because I'm dieting, but because I don't crave them. I have no idea how this happened. I just don't want them.

I went to therapy to address some of my issues in the marriage and found that my biggest issues that were at the core of everything: my depression, stress reactions, binge eating etc all came from a desperate need for space. Because I caretake too much. I then get burnt out and when I got a couple hours to myself I would carbload so drug myself because of my high stress levels.

since I have noticed that my binge eating is purely about exhaustion, I am far more vigilant about ensuring I have down time, by myself, doing wtf I want. I also listen to soothing hypnosis relaxation cds at night when I go to sleep.

I think this is probably why I don't crave anywhere near to what I used to. My driving myself far too hard and caretaking other people till I collapse. Stressing out and trying to control my environment.

I'm now down to a UK size 16 (US 14) and I want to lose one more size.

The only draw back I've noticed is the attention I'm getting. I'm getting sexually harassed more and I'm finding I get a lot of strange reactions from the dyke community. I am pretty girlie but it seemed my weight made the girly bits ok. Now they seem to suspect me of something but I haven't figured out what. No one talks to me when I go to socials. I have to throw myself at someone to get a conversation.

My feelings are getting hurt quite a bit when I go out. People call me intimidating, predatory, that I will eat someone alive... I have no CLUE where it's coming from but the only things that's changed about me is my size and I have a bit more self confidence. And I've lost a wife to divorce, which also puts me in the slightly sad headspace.

I do sometimes wish I was back at a size 20 where I wasn't threatening to people. I won't though because I love the clothes I can get now and it's easier to move around a massage table and work. But I am a bit down about how people are treating me after losing weight and gaining some of my confidence back, that was hard won after being left, let me tell you.

wow, honey... this needed to be repeated. In awe of you and the work you put in, not just about your body, but also your headspace

I too have done a lot of 'work' with an excellent therapist after this last break up from hell and the house of lies it was built on. Learned a heck of a whole lot and I am truly grateful for the knowledge. But why o why does learning and growing have to come from such pain?

As for being treated differently, wow... I did not even think that part of why I was being treated differently this last week back in my home state was the weight loss of the last year. From the not eating after my heart break, to the taking active participation in my health, which was part of my healing circle this last year.

I thought it was some new femme pheromone I was exuding.... or something... attracting attention, over and over again, catching someone checking me out and acknowledging that I exist. I am no longer invisible, I think it is that simple. Our wt makes us disappear from most people's radar in this pucked up world we live in. That is reality.

anyhows, I am proud of you HB, and sad that the community you are in is treating you that way. I have to think that they are just terribly human and have compassion for them as well as you. Not one of us is perfect. I take comfort in that. ***there is a philosophical paradox, if you meet the buddha on the road, just shoot him. In other words, none of us are perfect, if they say or think they are, well... they are not, it is utter and complete bullhockey.***

Just sucks green monkey dicks, as Rita Mae Brown once lamented a long long time ago~

[Rockinonahigh]

Over the last fue months of dealing with on going back troubles and more pain than I care to admit to,tomorrow im going to the top chiropractor in this area.I told my orthopedic about doing that cause I need pain releif thats not based on meds,he wants me in the gym 3x a week but I have to much pain in my tail bone and down my left leg wich is really messing up everything I do.Heck I cant sit for long,stand much,geting out of a chair or going up any amount of stairs is way more than I can handle.I ask about the injections but he says after I give working out and loseing more weight,I really need to reduce or find a way to stop this pain as its causeing me to become a real big pissy grouch wich is so not who I am.To top it off my bad left knee is ding something nasty that hurts bad.I will admit I feel a bit depresed because I really was counting on the ortho to come up with ansers of some kind wich hasnthappened....yes im takeing care of that to and have an app with a counselor.
The good news is I have lost a couple of pounds just doing what I can along with really watching what and how much I eat.

[girl_dee]

When I look in the mirror I still see that FAT girl...
Today I went and got some new clothes for work...
I have been wearing my larger sized clothes to hide...
Hide who I was and who I am becoming... It felt safe... I felt safe...
Then I got the promotion at work and realized I needed to not look so frumpy...
You can not work in this industry and look frumpy...
Even though the sizes were much smaller than I expected, I still saw that FAT girl in the mirror...
I am trying so hard to change how *I* see myself...



(((((((( Kim )))))))))))

i am so frustrated, same few pounds coming and going and for 6 weeks have done whatever i know how to get it to MOVE off and stay off.

My goal was to be down those 15 pounds by my NOLA trip in June. It isn't happening and i'm completely down about it.

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies,

Off to walk uptown, and then heading to the Gym.
i am really humbled by some of the people in my life, who are so willing to use their own time and help me develop a program..

A guy i work with, is really going above and beyond for me ..
And Candace and i have been working together everyday as well, via Skype and sharing our journeys, she's amazing, inspiring & came along at such a good time .. We share the same journey and passion to healthy ourselves up..

And then, you all here.. Between reps, messages, motivation & tips..
Thank you all for being here each and every day!
Sincerely, i am so grateful for you all ♥

[justkim]

I think you look fabulous! Ride the bike everywhere... I bet you will be dropping the weight by the time you leave now that you can get outside and move.
Be kind to yourself... This is something I keep reminding myself to do...

You got this!



(((((((( Kim )))))))))))

i am so frustrated, same few pounds coming and going and for 6 weeks have done whatever i know how to get it to MOVE off and stay off.

My goal was to be down those 15 pounds by my NOLA trip in June. It isn't happening and i'm completely down about it.

[Lady_Di]

From someone I respect greatly... we were discussing pain and suffering, don't even remember why that was the topic, but this is great way to look at it.

...about change

changing

challenges and everyday stuff

There are 2 ways to grow...


Thru pain because we have to

OR

Thru love because we want to


The decision is ultimately yours


I think this was in reference to my complaining about why o why does pain have to be part of this change process, not even sure which changing process I was talking about. But the truth is resistance is futile. lol...Change is gonna happen. The point I think she was making to me is how we can choose to view that change. Thru the eyes of love and care, or by resisting and arguing, fighting.





...not that pain is always a bad thing, just sayin~

[JoSchmooze]

On the way home from the gym,
I stopped at the Costco to get almonds and walnuts...
They had shorts on sale....
AHA!! I got into a smaller size.....
Neener, neener, neener
to being angry......

Keep on trucking, folks....
It does get better.....

:jester:

[yotlyolqualli]

Diabetes runs through my family tree, like watered down sap. It comes from both sides, and so, it was no surprise to me to be diagnosed with it when I was 31 years old. My eldest sister, ten years older than I, had been fighting the disease for about seven years before I was diagnosed. By that time, her diabetes had affected her eyes and had begun to affect her feet and legs. By the time I was 37, she had lost one foot, several toes and her eyesight to the disease. My diabetes was more out of control and took much larger doses of insulin, than she did. She is now 52, and in total renal failure, needing dialysis, three times a week. I was also on medicine for high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

So, knowing, by my sister's example, what was in store for me, I began looking into what options I had. My doctor began pushing me towards gastric bypass. Insulin, while controlling diabetes, also damages your kidneys. He told me that I was too young to be on so much insulin. Anyway, after prayer, alot of back and forth self arguing, I finally decided to go with the bypass, but on my terms. I refused to use the bariatric center he wanted to refer me too, and took it upon myself to find the best doctor and the best medical center. After searching, I settled on the bariatric weightloss center at Hershey Medical center in Hershey, Pa.

I went through a 6 month program, learning about the different procedures that could be done and learning about what would happen after surgery, what and how to eat after surgery. (I lost 91 pounds on my own, 31 of them, during this 6 month period)

I lucked out, was referred to the head bariatric surgeon, and on 12/10/07 I underwent a roux-en-y laproscopic gastric bypass. My pre-surgical weight was 268 and my lowet weight after surgery, was 135. I gained weight back, due to several things, and want to lose about 20 pounds now.

This is not the easiest path to take. The bypass caused me to have my gall bladder removed, to have a bowel obstruction and was, in part, responsible for a massive internal bleed in the spring of 2011.

Now, I am chronically anemic (to the point of needing IV infusions of iron, at times) I am considered chronically mal-nourished and my hemoglobin has a tendency to drop, causing the need for blood transfusions.

I am back to walking 3-5 miles daily but am not allowed to push myself. Anemia=dizziness= a high rish of falls. A high risk of falling + my bloods slowness to clot could = bad bad stuff, so I am limited to 5 miles a day.

In the end, the surgery, though having caused and still causing alot of problems, my daibetes has been completely resolved. All of my A1C's have been normal and I can eat pretty much, a normal diet. I am also off ALL midications, except for vitamin and nutritional supplements. I am cautious about what I eat, and can't tolerate any trans fat, but other than that, I'm doing alright.

This, again, was/is not the easy way to weight loss. It's just a tool that I used/use to reach and maintain a much healthier weight and lifestyle.

My motto, throughout all of this was and is... if I screw up today..I'll start over again in the morning. Like, if I eat a candy bar (it makes me sick to do so.. literally, but damn it... monthly homoromal changes DEMAND chocolate..lol) or I choose to stay in bed instead of walking; instead of allowing that to mess with my head and compound the damage, I simply wipe the slate clean and start over in the morning.

It can be done, no matter what tool you use, all you have to do is resolve to do it.

Also, when I look in the mirror, I still see that 359 pound woman staring back at me. I still look at chairs speculatively, to see if they will hold my weight. I still hold up a new shirt in the store and think, "no way in hell!" but I am slowly beginning to shed that "skin" as well.

Just learn to believe in yourself and it will happen.

Take care and God bless.

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Friday Eve all y'all healthy peeps!

I know, it seems as though it's been forever since I've posted in here. I faithfully read about each & every accomplishment, struggle and celebration and have been cheering y'all on!

I'm not gonna lie... I've been struggling REALLY bad for the last couple of months. This year has been hard... fuckin' hard. It's taken a toll on me physically, emotionally & spiritually. Every day I wake up and say today is gonna be a better day. For the most part, it has been. We have two choices every single day on how we are gonna face the day... I'm doing my best to keep the positive energy flowing no matter what.

I've been dealing with some self sabotaging behaviors lately. Awhile back I let a conversation I had with someone affect me... and those old ways of thinking crept back in the forefront of my brain. I felt defensive, shamed & my vision of myself took a hard blow.

So, please know that just because I haven't been posting here as often as I should, I am continuing this journey (all be it back at square one) with all of you. Thank you for always offering words of support, encouragement and friendship to all those that come here. You all rock!

[Medusa]

Looks like I'm not alone in having a bit of a low point!

I am STUCK at 289. Have been for months. I had gotten down to 284 at one point and have crept...well, no I haven't crept, I leapfrogged back to 289 almost overnight.

I really want to break out of the 280's but have caught myself eating more junk lately and just over all not giving a shit again. I hestitate to say I don't give a shit because I do but it's more about energy. I have had to focus my energies elsewhere lately and didn't realize that it takes a LOT of energy to focus on the self.

Needless to say, nothing to add except a biggo "I hear you" to all of us who are in a lull. I think that fact that I can even come in here and admit it without fear or shame is a huge healthy point for me.

Gotta take what I can get!

[sylvie]

Tonya & Medusa , (((huggs)))

The two of you are not alone..Believe me..
The last two months have been something difficult for me as well..
It's true, it takes an immense amount of energy on working on self.
i lost complete motivation, and these last few days have been much better, and i can thank Candace for that, sincerely.

She has been going through the exact same thing, sometimes i think it's power in numbers.. Candace and i have been meeting via skype, messenger & email everyday, keeping ourselves accountable and motivating each other.

It's nice to have someone who really understands, and we both lend a side of this to one another that the other didn't have before.. And really, just having someone to chittychat with about anything.. Seriously, even if it's merely 5 mins - it helps..

Join us, we should all have one another's details and lean on each other.. i think that's the magic of this thread, friendships and having that 'real' motivation.. Even if distanced, having someone at the end of the day that you can say okay, this is what i did and tomorrow will be a better day..

For the first time in a long time, i am feeling that motivation.. i'm still stumbling a little here & there, but hell it's more than i've been doing.. i feel it building each day..

You most likely already have Candace, but add me (and anyone else who would want to, Skype, or email or messenger or all 3.. It's such a helpful tool to do this with friends..

[starryeyes]

I have not been doing anything or actively tracking. Ugh I hate losing my motivation. I am not gaining weight tho, just being stable. I really want to get out and walk/run 4 days a week again. I am going to work on that goal.

A friend of mine suggested Slimquick. It is drink packets you put into water. I am on my 2nd week. I have not had any weight loss with it (surprise, surprise) but! It gives me energy and takes away my bloat. I have nothing but positive things to say about it, and it tastes good. It also helps suppress my appetite. I have noticed a big difference. I am sure if I added some exercise I would see more results!

[*Anya*]

I have not posted in here for quite a while.

I had not been doing too well myself-just feeling stuck.

Since March 8th as I have posted elsewhere, I have had two major surgeries and at least 3 invasive procedures under general anesthesia. I still have one more to go before hopefully, I will be finished.

I have lost 14 pounds in two months which is a record for me. I would not recommend any of it as a weight loss technique.

I did my BMI this morning and am still overweight for my height. Now at the low end instead of teetering on the upper end but overweight, none-the-less.

It is hard for me to cook for myself now or even to eat. I literally have to force myself sometimes. You would think the weight would be melting off but having virtually zero exercise does not help.

I used to walk 30 minutes in the AM and 30 minutes in the afternoon, plus a series of exercises (including sit-ups) but barely can drag myself from living room to bathroom most of the time. I am trying to get myself to get on the floor to do sit-ups but do fear the pain from my two abdominal surgeries so just keep putting it off. I know I need to just try it and it may be OK.
I used to haves fairly high pain tolerance but it is now pretty low after these last couple of months.

I can't really say I have been eating unhealthfully- well, except for the pint of Ben & Jerry's I ate a week or so ago in lieu of breakfast and lunch for a couple of days. I really hate copping to that publicly but it is the truth.

We all struggle in our own way. All we can do is the best we can and keep on trying.

I will work on following my own advice.

[PinkieLee]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for sharing what's going on in your lives, too. If this journey wasn't so hard, with so many factors that come into play, we would all be skinny minis by now ;)

I have been overanalyzing every single word of that simple conversation (that perhaps some others would have considered motivating) looking for answers as to why it left me with such an low feeling. I've been beating myself up because I let old negative self talk creep into my thoughts. Maybe it was a last straw on my already frazzled mental state... who knows.

All I know is that I want to succeed at every goal I have ever envisioned for myself and I refuse to go down without a fight... and yes there is still fight left in me!

[Talon]

I too, have not posted in a while....
I am fighting internally with this journey...
On Thursday I posted a pic on my FB status showing
the 50 lbs I have lost since Feb 3, 2012.....
I am in a bit of a slump and have doubts about the hCG diet.
Al the Russian tells me I am "starving myself"....I listen to
the voice in my head (oh, did I tell you that I am
feeling slightly nutz right about now?) that muscle
weighs more than fat....I see how my body is
reshaping itself but for some damned reason I am angry.....

Angry at not getting anywhere as quickly as promised....
Angry at giving in, telling myself that my body needs more to
eat to maintain muscle and tone.

Angry that I feel like I am, all of a sudden
feeling like I am binging (really? binging?? A handful of
walnuts to replace protein used up in training??)
and then purging by using fiber supplements
so that I can shed pounds......
And frustrated that when I see the doc on Friday it
will appear that no weight has been lost this month
even though I have lost and gained the same freakin
five pounds over and over again this past month.....

Angry and frustrated enough to chuck it all, stop this madness
and eat a pint of B&J...or go over to that BBQ place I pass
every time I go to the gym and order a rack of ribs and just sit there
and wolf them down!

Done, done, done with the rant.....
Sorry......


I was told that I was "starving" myself too, from a professional bodybuilder that I had hired as a personal trainer a couple years ago. The idea (he said) was to keep the body burning like a furnace throughout the day, with 6-8 small meals based primarily w/lean protein and low in simple carbs. I did it, but it wasn't easy eating that much (sounds weird, I know)...I mean I was CONSTANTLY eating by the alarm on my watch. One thing I will say, though..is I was rarely hungry eating that way.

[thedivahrrrself]

http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/233272455669149761_eWkzLLAn_b.jpg

[Zimmeh]

This has been a hard week for me. Monday was the ten year anniversary of my dad passing away, so I have been depressed all week. Work is killing me and my soon to be ex roommate is calling me, some not so nice names since I got my braces. As a result, I broke down on Monday and cried for 20 minutes in my boss' office and went to Baskin and Robbins for ice cream. The only person who has supported me this week is Ruff and I'm thankful for hys love and friendship . Once we move this weekend, I will pick my self esteem up and put one foot in front of the other and get back to my happy life!

I found the Carnation instant breakfast shakes are good since I still cannot eat any meat. I have been eating potatoes, soup, Greek yogurt, apple sauce and jell-o for the last nine days.

Hugs to all of you!

Zimmeh

[*Anya*]

Just posting in here helps a great deal.

Yesterday morning, I rose like Lazarus, off of the couch and did 15 sit-ups plus other exercises.

I am still totally unable to do leg-lifts yet but it is a start and was far less painful than I feared.

Next, is to tackle walking.

Have a good weekend everyone:)

[deedarino]

This has been a hard week for me. Monday was the ten year anniversary of my dad passing away, so I have been depressed all week. Work is killing me and my soon to be ex roommate is calling me, some not so nice names since I got my braces. As a result, I broke down on Monday and cried for 20 minutes in my boss' office and went to Baskin and Robbins for ice cream. The only person who has supported me this week is Ruff and I'm thankful for hys love and friendship . Once we move this weekend, I will pick my self esteem up and put one foot in front of the other and get back to my happy life!

I found the Carnation instant breakfast shakes are good since I still cannot eat any meat. I have been eating potatoes, soup, Greek yogurt, apple sauce and jell-o for the last nine days.

Hugs to all of you!

Zimmeh


I believe carnation instant breakfast is one of the keys to my success. It help me to never feel deprived...

[Lady_Di]

Instant breakfast... I remember the sugar free version did help, though without milk now, it is not high enough protein for me. But blended with ice it can fool me into thinking it is a shake. And after my surgery, I could literally not tolerate artificial sweetners at all, they hurt my tummy. Which in my opinion was a total G.d thing, as I think that stuff is so bad for us. Today I can tolerate a bit of them, but not much. I usually end up watering them down big time. Or just bypassing anything artificial, in general and on principle. Nice to have principles today, no?

Personally I found a nutritional drink I can simply mix with water and still gives me like 28 grams of protein. Very satiating.

ilikechike.com

http://www.chikenutrition.com/

Those that can still tolerate lactose even get a bigger bang for the buck I suppose. Bottom line I like it, which for me is rare for me, I do not like most of these sweet things. I do not have much of a sweet tooth.

Try the Strawberry. It is my favourite. Sometimes I even add frozen organic strawberries, as I really really love em and they are guilt free indulgences.

Though my mentor, whom I have mentioned several times here, swears by the Orange Creme flavour. I also had a bumper crop of peaches this year, so have frozen peaches, which when I add them to the Very Vanilla makes a killer peach ice cream, I swear. It is amazingly like peach ice cream. Yes, I add a lot of peaches and ice, too. It is good, try it. I hear some folks add greek yogurt, too. And even cook brownies and what not with this stuff. I have not, but I have read those that do. Very cool, imo.

Low glycemic frozen wild blueberries are also great additions. Though I prefer them all by themselves, best thing on earth to me. And totally guilt free, a rare thing these days.


My splurges lately, because of packing up everything and what not... watermelon and clearing out everything in my freezer, which is actually only full of healthy whole foods, mostly organic or free range, grass fed. Expensive but I am worth it :)

I did buy some junk for my road trip, but I am not all that into it. A tiny bit of naughty is not such a big deal, today. The watermelon is a much preferred treat to me these days. I simply know I feel so much better when I eat healthy. It reinforces itself. And it is better to lose slowly but surely, even back slide a bit and get back on track, than to do it super quickly and then see saw back up. I think that sort of thing is very hard on our bodies. We have all done so much damage, totally our own doing. But it does not consign us to doing this or anything the rest of our lives.

I love the fact that we as human beings have Free Agency. We have choices all along the way and it feels good to take responsibility for my choices today, good, bad or indifferent.

Welcome to the new folks here and to the lurkers and thread stalkers. I have had more than one phone call in the past few months that have mentioned they did that, lol. For those that are too shy to post or whatever reasons you may have, that is okay too. As many have said before here... whatever works for you.

Just do it.

and...

Never give up! Each and everyone here is worth it. I love you all, and if no one told you today that they love you. I do, whether you like it or not.

(I hear that everyday at a 12 step group I go to, and the guy that always says it, really means it. And I can honestly say I do as well.)


WWJD?
I really do ask myself this...

the answer is easy.


Love

[Ginger]

So I've lost between six and nine pounds (it varies day-to-day but even with the one-step-forward-one-step-back effect, the plateaus are consistently moving in the right direction).

I think six to nine more and I'd be thrilled.

A body is a terrible thing to waste. So is a life. I'm being more careful about what I admit into my realm of existence.

Even though I'm confused most days about the things I'm weighing (no pun intended), I'm certain that it all starts right here, with me.

[girl_dee]

Syr brought home some organic Chia seeds for me. i said *what the heck do you do with those?* well, apparently a lot!!


I googled several articles including this one, and i started eating them yesterday, so we will see!


What are Chia seeds anyway?
What are the top ten ways you benefit from eating chia seeds?
The top 10 benefits of eating chia seeds seen here are in no particular order. Which one is most important to you? You can expierience all of the following benefits when you order MySeeds Chia.
1. Lose Weight Without Starving
The Chia Seed is a dieter’s dream come true. The tiny, healthy seeds can be made to taste like whatever you want, and their unique gelling action keeps you feeling full for hours. Hunger is a main enemy of real weight loss, and you don’t want to fight it with jittery expensive pills. When a chia seed

is exposed to water, it forms a coating of gel, increasing its size and weight. Since the gel made of water, it has no calories. It’s also difficult to remove from the seed, meaning that it helps your body think it is full, without adding calories!
2. Balance Blood Sugar
Keeping balanced levels of blood sugar is important for both health and energy. Blood sugar may spike after meals, especially if you eat high-starchy foods or sweets. This can lead to ‘slumps’ in your day where you feel tired and out of energy. By balancing your blood sugar, you not only lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, but you also ensure steady, constant energy throughout your day.


But how does the Chia Seed help with this? Both the gelling action of the seed, and it’s unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber combine to slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars. If you eat chia with a meal, it will help you turn your food into constant, steady energy rather than a series of ups and downs that wear you out.

3. Help Prevent Diverticulitis / Diverticulosis
With the abundance of over-processed foods and white flour on the market today, rich sources of fiber are harder to come by. These foods of convenience have contributed to the rise of diverticulitis. Irregularity is a

big factor in this risky condition. To help ensure regularity, you need plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. If you don’t want to eat celery, and whole-grain everything…or piles of bran flakes, the Chia Seed is here to help. Each seed is coated with soluble fibers which aid its gelling action. The exterior of the seed is protected by insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber is unable to be digested (it does not contribute any calories, or break down) so instead, it helps keep food moving smoothly through the digestive process. Soluble fiber, and the gel coating of the seed keeps the colon hydrated and ensures the easy movement of food.

4. Add healthy omega-3 oil to your diet
Omega-3 oil is usually thought of as “that healthy stuff in fish”. But, what if you don’t want to eat fish every day? What if you’re a vegetarian, or simply worried about pollution adding harmful substances to your fish dinner?

Chia is the richest plant-source of this healthy oil. By weight, chia contains more omega 3 than salmon, and it still tastes like whatever you want! Omega 3 oil is important in heart and cholesterol health. It’s also recently been targeted as a weight-loss helper. USA Weekend magazine also reports on a study where overweight dieters who included omega 3s in their eating plan lost 2 more pounds monthly than the control group, who did not.

5. Feel more energized all day long
Don’t want to feel like taking an afternoon nap? Your energy levels have a lot to do with what you eat. Chia is one of nature’s highest plant-based sources of complete protein. Usually protein from items like peanut butter

and some beans are incomplete, meaning you have to combine them with other foods to get the full benefit. Not Chia though, it’s protein is complete to raise your energy levels. The combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar balancing gel all work together to make sure you have steady, never jittery energy.

6. Bake with less fat
Do you enjoy making baked goods at home, but hate all the butter and oil that has to go into them? Chia gel can substitute for half the butter in most recipes! The food will bake the same and taste the

same (or better) from the addition of the chia gel. All you need to do is divide the amount of butter or oil in half, and then use the same amount of chia gel to fill in. The anti-oxidants in chia can even help keep the food tasting fresh longer. Everything from cookies to cakes to muffins, pancakes and waffles can be made with chia gel as your butter replacement. Which recipe will become your new favorite?

7. Add age-defying anti-oxidants
Anti-oxidants have been in the news lately due to their super healthy benefits. You know that blueberries and several exotic fruits (that aren’t always in season) have them, but did you know that chia is extremely high in anti-oxidants too? These helpful substances are what makes the Chia Seed stay .

fresh for so long. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh and ready to eat for over two whole years! And that’s all without a single chemical or preservative. This amazing ability is not found in other seeds like flax or sesame, because those seeds don’t have the same rich anti-oxidant content.
Anti-oxidants help prevent free-radical damage in your body. Free radicals lead to problematic conditions such as premature aging of the skin and inflammation of various tissues. Fight free radical damage by staying fresh and healthy with nature’s anti-oxidant powerhouse


8. Cut cravings for food
Being deficient in minerals or vitamins can create a craving for food. For example, if you’re low on calcium, you may feel compelled to eat lots of cheese and ice cream. This happens because your body knows that cheese is a source of calcium, and it hasn’t been getting enough. But what if dairy and whole

milk are a “Diet don’t”? You can always add calcium to your food by sprinkling on the chia. By weight, chia has more calcium than whole milk. It also has magnesium and boron, essential trace minerals used in the absorption of calcium and other vitamins. By balancing your vitamins and minerals with chia, you can curb cravings that might tempt you.

9. You can pack in more flavorful punch
How can a seed with NO flavor help the foods you already like to taste better? First, because they have no taste of their own, chia seeds will never cover up or add to the flavor of your food. Second, when the seeds hydrate, they magnify the taste of whatever they were added to. Put them in pudding?

Chocolaty! Swirl them into a smoothie? Fruity! The same thing goes with dressings, dips, salsas, sauces and more. These two factors combine to let chia seeds take on the taste of whatever you add them to. They distribute and never dilute, the flavors you love.

10. Save your money
Why should eating less cost you more? You already know diet pills are expensive, and ‘box meal plans’ can run up to $500.00 a month. If you’re buying ‘calorie counting packs’ or other individual portions in the store, you can also end up paying more because more preparation and materials go

into these foods. More than enough chia for 1 month costs less than a dollar a day. You can use as much or as little as you want to achieve your own desired results. There are no preparations required for these simple seeds, not even pesticides need to be used to grow them. They’re always safe and 100% chemical free. A measuring spoon is all you’ll need when you’re ready to take advantage of chia for yourself. It doesn’t get any easier or more inexpensive.

[Ginger]

I have not posted in here for quite a while.

I had not been doing too well myself-just feeling stuck.

Since March 8th as I have posted elsewhere, I have had two major surgeries and at least 3 invasive procedures under general anesthesia. I still have one more to go before hopefully, I will be finished.

I have lost 14 pounds in two months which is a record for me. I would not recommend any of it as a weight loss technique.

I did my BMI this morning and am still overweight for my height. Now at the low end instead of teetering on the upper end but overweight, none-the-less.

It is hard for me to cook for myself now or even to eat. I literally have to force myself sometimes. You would think the weight would be melting off but having virtually zero exercise does not help.

I used to walk 30 minutes in the AM and 30 minutes in the afternoon, plus a series of exercises (including sit-ups) but barely can drag myself from living room to bathroom most of the time. I am trying to get myself to get on the floor to do sit-ups but do fear the pain from my two abdominal surgeries so just keep putting it off. I know I need to just try it and it may be OK.
I used to haves fairly high pain tolerance but it is now pretty low after these last couple of months.

I can't really say I have been eating unhealthfully- well, except for the pint of Ben & Jerry's I ate a week or so ago in lieu of breakfast and lunch for a couple of days. I really hate copping to that publicly but it is the truth.

We all struggle in our own way. All we can do is the best we can and keep on trying.

I will work on following my own advice.

Anya, It sounds like such a hard time, but my sense is that you are moving through it. Would any kind of physical therapy be available or useful to you? I'm glad it's spring and not fall and hope that the slowly improving weather helps your morale a little. I haven't been on the site as much but noticed your post right away. Here's a big hug to you, IslandScout

[Ginger]

I too, have not posted in a while....
I am fighting internally with this journey...
On Thursday I posted a pic on my FB status showing
the 50 lbs I have lost since Feb 3, 2012.....
I am in a bit of a slump and have doubts about the hCG diet.
Al the Russian tells me I am "starving myself"....I listen to
the voice in my head (oh, did I tell you that I am
feeling slightly nutz right about now?) that muscle
weighs more than fat....I see how my body is
reshaping itself but for some damned reason I am angry.....

Angry at not getting anywhere as quickly as promised....
Angry at giving in, telling myself that my body needs more to
eat to maintain muscle and tone.

Angry that I feel like I am, all of a sudden
feeling like I am binging (really? binging?? A handful of
walnuts to replace protein used up in training??)
and then purging by using fiber supplements
so that I can shed pounds......
And frustrated that when I see the doc on Friday it
will appear that no weight has been lost this month
even though I have lost and gained the same freakin
five pounds over and over again this past month.....

Angry and frustrated enough to chuck it all, stop this madness
and eat a pint of B&J...or go over to that BBQ place I pass
every time I go to the gym and order a rack of ribs and just sit there
and wolf them down!

Done, done, done with the rant.....
Sorry......


Jo I don't hear this as a rant, I hear it as a glimpse of the battle you're having with things that hold you back, and I think you're winning.

Also, please don't be sorry; everything you said was completely valid and there are probably others who read it and thought, Yeah, I've felt that way too! And somehow that spreads a little resilience around.

Scout

[Lady_Di]

MileHighMama posted this over on Spark People and I thought it was worth sharing... she has completely blown away her doctor with what she has done with her out of control diabetes and cholesterol numbers. Quite literally she is saving her life, via excellent research and nutritional choices, amoung other things. I am very proud of her and her empowering wise choices along the way on this road less traveled.


"Wednesday, May 23, 2012


"I'd like a side of bacon, please. I'm on a diet"

I said those words today at lunch. They amused the heck out of me because they were so ridiculous sounding... and yet absolutely the truth!! Hah!

Delicious
Ideas
Everywhere
Thankfully

I think I mentioned before that I'm a Realtor. When people ask me what I do for a living, I sometimes tell them I eat. Sometimes it seems like it's true! A busy week with multiple clients can result in multiple coffee dates, 2-3 lunches 'out' and at least one (if not more) dinners on the run! "I eat." That's what I do for a living :)

I thought today how lucky I am to live right now, right here in northern Colorado. I'm not sure about other areas because I haven't traveled since changing my 'diet' for the better, but I have to say that the restaurants (even fast food!) are mighty accomodating to my needs: "Please cook it in butter." - no problem. "I'd like that without a bun and with extra tomato." - no problem. "I'd like to have no english muffin and 2 extra slices of bacon because I'm on a diet." again.. today... "no problem"

Between Wendy's wising up and adding sweet potatoes to their menu, and Carl's Junior's willingness to sell me side orders of a couple of scrambled eggs with bacon and a sprinkle of cheese, and Olive Garden's GF menu and ability to swap in steamed broccoli and grilled veggies for pasta/potatoes/etc... I have it made in the shade!!

At McDonald's just a few days ago, I paused while ordering and then finally said "No, I think the tea will do it for me" and when I pulled around to pay the really nice cashier asked conversationally "Did you have trouble figuring out if you were hungry or not?" I said "No, I'm on a low carb diet and I was trying to figure out if I could make anything work." She replied "Oh, well we can put scrambled eggs and cheese and sausage in a little side dish tray for you, no problem!" I will remember that next time :)

There are really no excuses for living high carb. There are certainly people who 'choose' to live high carb, along with people who choose to smoke and people who choose to bungee jump and drive race cars and ride bulls in the rodeo... and I say more power to them as mature adults. You have the info, you can make your choices any way that it works for you... but the 'excuse' that you eat out a lot or can't cook or don't have time or whatevertheheck you think is preventing you from NOT eating heart-disease producing sugars and grains... well, those excuses don't hold water. At least not here in northern Colorado where the nice folks at all the lovely restaurants and every fast food place I've gone are more than willing to accomodate my requests! "

[deedarino]

Living low carb is how I am doing mine as well, with gluten free (for me this was the key) added in...over time I have completely edited out fast food with a few exceptions in an emergency:


McDonalds scrambled eggs and sausage sides (cool thing its about $2 when you order as sides!)

Carls Junior has a low carb burger on lettuce

Taco Bell two chicken tacos and a side of beans (or two) then scrape the insides of the tacos into the beans and voila! Get a spoon...

Taco Bell tostadas, not the best but the corn doesn't seem to bother me. I would rathe make my own but in a pinch...

Panda Expresss Mandarin Chicken with NO sauce and a side of steamed veggies

I also keep nuts in my car...hehehe...for emergencies. Or will stop at a quickie mart for a bag of almonds or cashews.


I have heard many stories of diabetics who have gotten things under control by going low carb. My boss's husband was one of them. His dr was amazed.

[Lady_Di]

I hear many folks are having some difficulties and want to let you know we have all been there, done that and had our underwears stamped. You are not alone!

I like this blogger, his kindness and introspection I found to be particularly right on for me. Hope it can help another here along this path less traveled.

Remember, never give up. You are worth it. Your health matters.


"The Path To The Holy Grail- Regaining Emotional Balance Part 4 of 5 - Realistic Weightloss Goals
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Friday, May 25, 2012
Thanks for coming along on this rather long blog series. In case you are just tuning in, in short, I have been trying to organize and communicate the reasons I feel why I have been successful. This is not as if I had researched all of this and used my own knowledge to lead myself down this path. There is nothing special or unique about me but rather, like a poor beggar that found a treasure chest, so I now share with you. This treasure is of no value hoarded, it only gains interest when shared liberally. Links to the blog series at bottom.

These ideas are not mine, I just bumbled upon them. If they are not mine, then they cannot be bought or sold but can only be obtained when sought for with the whole heart. This is a price that everyone can afford but not all are willing to pay. I believe they are irrevokable principles that will lead you and I to a better journey. I may fail and totally wash out but these truths will live on. I believe that they are the key to success, the path to our Holy Grail.

What is it that made the difference? None of it involved eating a certain way or following any one particular exercise program or method. Those are all externals... Everything conclusion I have reached has all been internal.

After alot of deep thinking and reflection, it all boiled down to 4 things..

1) Seeking out the things that make for emotional stability (this section has 5 subsets)
2) Food Addiction Recovery ie...drying out
3)Reprogramming My Reward Center and Values
4) Mastering Response-Ability

Part 4 of 5 Seeking Emotional Stability- Being realistic about weight loss goals.

When I first started out, I fell into the trap of setting huge weight loss goals once i got the notion that I actually COULD do it. How true it is that when we start out, we struggle with the very notion that we will do it this time, unlike the other 99 false starts so there are huge mental blocks to be overcome JUST to reach the place where one is ready to step up and give it another tug. Once we experience some success, then the temptation is there to set lofty goals because we have a little faith now.

Does this sound familiar? " Im going to lose 50 pounds in 6 months, just in time for my _____ " (fill in blank) ie.. school reunion, beach vacation, shopping trip etc...

I submit that while it is noble to set such goals as a point of focus, you and I have little control as to the rate at which our bodies will shed fat. While it is true that a certain amount of loss can be forced through starvation, dehydration, or God forbid, laxatives. None of this is healthy and will lead to real problems down the road, all for a temporary number that brings a fleeting sense of accomplishment and approval from those around us when they hear of our "success". I learned quickly that my body works on its own clock.

It took a little while before I came to the realization that the goal of this journey is to lead my body and soul beside the still waters, not beat it into submission. All of the above "sins" I have committed and found that they are of no profit.
Yes, thats right, I have tried to force a number before. My self esteem was all tied up in getting just one more pound closer to happiness because I hated myself and what I looked like. This was further aggravated by weigh ins at the gym where I wanted to please my trainer so badly. It really became a problem when I started marathon training and my weight loss came to a dead stop. I was never pressured by the trainer but rather I wanted her to be proud of me. That I was her "star" client, that I was really a champion and was totally on top of it. We are typically desparate to attain some sort of affirmation that we are succeeding, that we have worth, and that we are just a good as anyone else. Maybe to prove that you are even better than others if you are coming from the angle of low self esteem. You want to prove yourself and earn respect so badly that you will go to extremes to get it...like me.

Yes, this is confession time. I wanted the approval so badly that I abused myself in some instances. Truth is good for the soul. It heals and cleanses.

Finally, I got some real insight that I wanted to share with you.

What would you think about someone who comes into a hospital badly injured, leg broken in 3 places and states that they will heal by such and such a date so they can make it to some long anticipated event. We would tell that person to put those plans on ice. They need to heal and tell them that it may not happen according to their preferred timeline. We would basically say within ourselves that that person seriously needs a reality check. That individual is NOT in control of the process. All the doctors can do is stabilize the patient and create the environment for healing to take place. Outside of that, all they can do is let nature take its course.

If this is so obvious in the physical then why do we try to beat our bodies into submission to meet some ''im gonna lose XXX pounds by XXX date'' goal then beat ourselves up because we couldnt make ourselves do it.

I had to let it all go and realize that the only thing I can do is create the environment through nutrition and exercise, work to sustain that environment, then step back and let it unfold. Let the body heal itself on its own time clock.

Remember, you are leading your body beside the still waters, not trying to beat it into unnatural submission with brute force methods.

If your body does not lose it on its schedule, there will most likely be a backlash of some sort. We create those crazy expectations because we believe that rigid adherence will beget success. We do that because deep down we cannot tolerate yet another failure to meet that expectation. We struggle enough as it is. I cannot think of one time I have ever looked in the mirror at 385 pounds and said to myself "wow dude, you are really a stud!" My viewed image was always met with a sick feeling or no feeling at all because we get to be really good at burying negative feelings. Our hearts and minds can only tolerate so much before some type of defensive mechanism kicks in for the sake of keeping us intact...sort of.

I had to love myself where I was at. Happiness and self love does not come at some magic moment when the number you are seeking for pops up on the screen. When I broke 100 pounds lost, there were no angel choirs singing, no pats on the back, no TV camera interviews wanting to know the secrets of my success. It was all a big non-event. In fact, no one in my world really cared.

Weight loss does not bring happiness. It is the BYPRODUCT of happiness. It is the result of a daily commitment to creating the environment for healing and sustaining it, then stepping back and allowing the magic to happen on its own timeline.

The only thing that you and I can control is the environment that we create. Outside of that, it is out of our hands.

Let it go and love yourself.

Just like the rose cannot be forced to bloom, you cant force your body. Water it with nutrition and exercise, seek to relieve the sources of anxiety that drive the bad habits.

Then, like the rose...Just let it unfold."


http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=48976 77

[Thinker]

Wow... Add me to the list of folks who have not posted lately and who have been feeling a loss of motivation.

I rejoined WW online a while back and decided I would "do it my own way" to see how it worked for me. My focus has been waist size and not weight. Well, in that regard I suppose you could say I've been successful because my weight hasn't really changed. I dropped two pounds but managed to reduce my belly measurement by two inches.

I realized, though, that I was giving myself "outs" and that I wasn't really changing anything.........not much anyway. I was doing "just enough". What a crock!

This past weekend, my wife and I totally re-committed to kickin' some ass and living in a way that makes us feel better about who we are and how we're taking care of ourselves. For us, that includes real exercise. Not excessive exercise but not merely stretching either.

I threw a foam exercise mat out on the back patio and now spend the morning out there doing my stretching and a good round of old-school calisthenics. After that a vigorous walk of anywhere from 2-6 miles...

I'm cutting out bread (which makes me sad), candy, and eating at any place that has a drive-thru. For now, my sweet tooth will be satisfied by eating frozen Greek yogurt w/berries.

I'm back to being completely anal about recording my food points and my activity points (even though I don't use them).

While we were in Vegas, we went to a show and took a picture with "Marilyn Monroe". At the end of the show, we looked at the picture to see if we wanted to purchase it. I think I laid my eyes on that picture for all of a nano-second and turned away. I did not like what I was seeing and vowed that THIS TIME I was going to do something about it. And I'm going to...

[deedarino]

My dad bought me a weight bench yesterday, it was one I had been looking at. Simple and small but I wanted to up my exercise (and needed very small for my apt). Anyway, it has the leg lifty thingy and the arm curly thingy and I am soooo happy! It is time to start the upper body stuff.

228. I haven't been under the 230 mark since....well...I can't remember.

Thinker, a picture was one of my first motivators; my drivers license picture. It is horrid, (no really) I hide it. I also haven't changed it so I can remember why I do this everyday. After that picture, I quit taking pictures for a long time.

At 210, I will be at the 100 lbs lost mark. I'm getting a new dr lic pic. :-)